ALLEGED FORGERY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 10137, 25 August 1904, Page 3

ALLEGED FORGERY.

The adjourned hearing of the charge of forgery, preferred against George i'hillips, was heard at the Magistrate's Court this afternoon. He was charged with making a false document, knowing it was false— viz.. a cheque upon the Bank of Australasia — purporting to be signed by George H. Williams m favor of George Pliillips.or bearer. Mr H. Bright appeared for defendant. Sergeant Siddells said defendant was a traveller for a photographic company, 'being m partnership with Mr Ellerbeck. On Monday defendant received from one Williams a cheque for a debt, together with a blank form. Next day the cheque — tilled m for £43 — was handed over to Mr Ellerbeck. as defendant was going away, and it Avas left as security m payment of a debt. Mr Ellerbeck took it lo the bank, and it was dishonored. Otherwise there was no attempt to cash the cheque. George Henry Williams said he knew accused, and on August 22 paid him a cheque on the Bank of Australasia for £1 4s. He asked hiim if he could oblige him with a blank form of cheque, as lie said the bank Avas closed, and lie had given away the last cheque that day. Witness gave him cheque No. 100-620, the one produced and now filled m for £43. The signature Avas similar, but was not his. By Mr Bright : He gave no cheques to anyone- else. 'L. A. Ellerbeck, photographer, .slid that accused Avas a working partner Avith him, and he ay.is indebted to witness to the amount of £25. Witness pressed him for the money. On the 22nd it Avas arranged to sell his business to accused for £50 m a sum of £20 and £5 monthly. The deeds were all drawn up, but not signed. Next day accused came and said lie Avas going to Auckland through Opotiki. Witness asked him about payment of wages, and he said he would settle that, upon his return. Accused produced tho cheque m question, and asked him if that would satisfy him, as he, witness. Avas A-ery dissatisfied Avith his behavior. Witness said he Avould keep the cheque as security till lie came- back. Accused 1 told witness to put it m the safe. Witness asked him if lie intended buying the business when he came back. Accused replied "Yes." Witness asked if the cheque Avas to stand as security for the £20 accused Avas to pay witness. Accused said witness could give him the change when he came back. Witness understood it. was cash, and gave him a receipt for £43 6s Bd. The cheque .vas dated August 12. Accused left for Opotiki, and Avitness subsequently took the clieque to the bank, and' paymem. was refused. By Mr Bright : Witness understood accused meant the cheque- or its value was security. He tried to cash the clieque as he liad a doubt as to its genuineness. He did not understand that he had necessarily to hold the cheque till his return. He asked) hi m to hold it, but witness did not bind himself to hold the clieque. Witness was not iv financial difficulties, and did not want the nionev. C. 0. Ruby, teller, Bank of Australasia, said the cheque produced was paid into Mr- Ellerbcck'-s account. He examined the cheque with Mr William's signature, but it was unsatisfactory. It was a very good imitation. • Constable Doyle also gave evidence. Accused Avas commit led to trial, bail being alloAved m £100 aud two sureties of £50.