CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3098, 30 July 1913, Page 4

CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

CHARGE AGAINST EMPLOYEES. THE ONEHUNGA CASE. AUCKLAND, July 22. Four men. William Morrow Saunders, Henry Lloyd Davies, Win. Henry Owens, and Richard Tyrcll. employed at Onoliunga by the Union Steam Ship Co., were charged at the Police Court to-day with conspiring to defraud the company. A fifth man. William Caldow, was charged with obtaining money from the company by false pretences. "Chief Detective M‘Mahon outlined tie case for the prosecution. He said Saunders was employed at Onehunga by the Union Company as wharfinger. He was empowered to hire the requisite labour. Thursday was the customary pay-day, and it was the duty of Saunders to make out the pay-sheets. He would then telephone to the head office in Auckland stating the amount of money required for the week’s wages. A cheque would be drawn for that amount, and having cashed it the pay clerk would take the money to Onenunga and pay tho hands. A labour order was issued to each workman stating the amount due to him. This order had to he signed by Saunders. When a man was unable to he personally present to draw

hia pay a written order could be obtained, authorising someone else to obtain his pay and to sign a receipt foy it. Saunders would sign this order too. It was alleged by the prosecution that Saunders, making use of Davies, Owens, and Tyrell, who were .employed in subordinate positions, signed money orders made out in the names of bogus workmen. One of the four accused always signed the receipts for these men, who never appeared in person to claim wages. These alleged bogus names appeared so frequently on the paysheets that suspicions were aroused as to their genuineness. Inquiries were set on foot, which culminated in the arrest of the accused. Saunders helped the detectives to find out the full amount of the alleged fraud. The part that Caldow played in the matter was somewhat different. H© was alleged to have done some work for the company, but to have been credited with longer hours than those, during which he really worked, and to have in this way received more pay than he was entitled to. All the accused made signed statements after their arrest. Each of the accused pleaded not guilty, and all were committed to the Supreme Court for trial.