ALLEGED ATTEMPTED FRAUP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3031, 17 April 1912, Page 58

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED FRAUP.

BLENHEIM, April 11. Edmund John Walsh, grocer, and John Vernon Binley, telegraphist, appealed in the Magistrate's Court to-day charged with attempting by conspiracy and deceit to defraud Boss and Bradshaw and Scott and Martindale, of Wellington, of sums amounting to £34 and £SO 10s on certain betting transactions. It is alleged that Binley arranged with Walsh to go to the Wanganui races, leaving signed telegrams to the firms mentioned containing the names of horses likely to win at Wanganui. tlie telegrams to be handed in prior to the time of the race. Walsh telegraphed the to an address at Blenheim. Binley watched the Wanganui wires, held back the telegrams to the firms, and erased the horses' names, substituting the winning horse. The firms became auspicious, and made inquiries, and the prosecution was the result. Inspector Ellison is appearing for the police. April 12. The cases were concluded to-day, as also were two charges of attempting to obtain money from the firms mentioned by false pr tences. The accused were committed for trial. On a further charge of obtaining from Scott and Martindale certain moneys by means of false pretences, with intent to defraud, against Binley only, counsel said he would not admit the evidence, and Inspector Ellison adduced evidence in support of the charge. Walsh was put in the box, but declined to give evidence on counsel's advice, as he might incriminate himself. The magistrate said it was for the court to say if it would protect the witness or compel him to give evidence. The case was adjourned till to-morrow.