A Scheme That Failed

Southland Times, Issue 19552, 5 May 1905, Page 2

A Scheme That Failed

RISKY BUSINESS

Per United Press Association

GISBORNE, May 4

At the Supreme Court Henry George Lomax, who pleaded guilty to defrauding local firms of £9OO by means of false pretences in connection with alleged purchases of stock, wos sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Lomax was charged with having obtained £B7O in March last from Common, Shelton and Co. At tlio Police. Court hearing W. B. Common stated that in the beginning of January the accused called upon him, and sthted that he bad come from Australia, where his ’’ lather was a very large sheepfarmer, and that he had suffered very severely by drought, having lost considerably over 10,000 sheep. Tho accused said he wanted to make a start in New Zealand, and had some capital with him which he purposed dealing in sheep and cattle. He wished to know if the firm would assist him. Witness replied that the firm would do so in a moderate way. The accused stated that be had a little under £2OO. He wanted to buy stock for resale through- the firm’s yards. Further evidence showed that there had been several transactions at ljlo rere - Prin (auctioneer) had interviewed the accused (who said he had about £3OO with him), and told him that the firm considered his actions suspicious. Lomax said that if that were so, perhaps he had better give wit, ness what cash he had with him. Witness replied that lie thought it would be better if he did so. Lomax then produced a cush-box. and handed witness a roll of notes. Witness counted them and found 33 £2O notes and other money—£669 altogether. Lomax stated that lie had a balance of £5B in the bank, and at witness’ request gave him a cheque on the bank for that amount, but refused to give an order for sheep that ho said were being brought down. A telegram afterwards received from the accused, then in Christchurch, stated that he was returning in a week, and that he hail an order for 1000 sheep, and would fix up matters then.

(Lomax was arrested at Bluff on his way to Melbourne.)