HARNESSING THE SEA

Southland Times, Issue 18967, 14 June 1923, Page 5

HARNESSING THE SEA

INVENTOR IN TROUBLE. (Per United Pr»ss Association). PALMERSTON NORTH, June 13. A remarkable invention, worked by “the rise and fall of the swell of the sea,” is claimed by Joseph Harvey Cornish, who was before the Court this morning on three counts of alleged misrepresentation, arising out of his disposal of shares for the patent. Evidence was given by the police and three investors concerned that accused had variously represented to residents of Shannan, that the Government had offered £7OOO and on another occasion £5OOO, for the invention, which accused had declined, believing there was more money in it. Shares at £5, he alleged, would bring in a return beyond computation, as the invention would do away with hydro power. He stated that he intended to demonstrate the invention at Otaki or Foxton beach. In a statement to the police, accused declared that during the past three months he had collected £l5O from intending shareholders, but this had been utilised to pay back debts, and maintain his wife and family at Foxton. It was expressly stated in legally prepared agreements, signed by shareholders, that should the venture prove a failure, this money was not to be returned. Accused was remanded until Tuesday, bail being granted in £l5O and two similar sureties.