ALLEGED CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 5

ALLEGED CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

FOUR PERSONS CHARGED. WELLINGTON, September 5. At the Magistrate's Court to-day Frederick Campbell Fraser was charged with, having, on July 14, with intent to defraud by false pretence, attempted to obtain from Henry Martindale and others the sum of £975. David Hodges, John Edward Fitegerald, and John M'Williams were similarlycharged. All four defendants wero further charged with conspiring together, and with other persons unknown, by fraudulent means —to wit, by a false telegram—to defraud Plenry Martindale, William Ryan, Robert Law, Arthur Law, David Ross, and William Whelan, of divers sums of money. Mr Macassey outlined the oase for the prosecution, and said he thought the facta brought out would establish a well-thought-out scheme to defraud bookmakers of a substantial sum.

After evidence given by William Ryan (financial agent, Auckland), Arthur Th,eo. dore Markmann (chief clerk of the General Post Office), and Mr M'Villy (assistant general manager of the railways) had been heard, the case was adjourned till Friday. September 7. The hearing was resumed in the Magistrate's Court of the charges against Fraser, Hodges, Fitzgerald, and M Williams in connection with a betting transaction. Aft the clnae of the case for the Crown Frase? pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. The information against Hodges waa dismissed, and as Fitzgerald and M'W'illiams decided to tender evidence the cases against them were adjourned till Tuesday.