FALSE RETURNS

Southland Times, Issue 20146, 5 April 1927, Page 7

FALSE RETURNS

FARMERS CHARGED ADVANCES FROM AUCTIONEERING FIRM SECURITY THAT VANISHED (Per United Press Association.) Gisborne, April 4. A case of interest, to stock firms was heard by the Magistrate, Mr Levy, S.M., at the Police Court yesterday, when Thomas Bros nahan and his son,, Aloysius George Bros nahan and his son, Aloysius George Brostwo years obtained by alleged false stock returns advances from Daigety's Company —£79B and £376 respectively. John Joseph Neasley, manager of Dalgety’s, stated that in July, 1925, the firm had taken a stock mortgage over sheep

owned by Thomas Brosnahan, who was a client of the firm on two conditions, that all sales or purchases be put through the firm, and half-yearly returns be made by accused of the stock in his possession. When wool and certain lambs did not come forward, the firm’s auctioneer was instructed to inspect the property. After this was done Brosnahan interviewed witness, saying: “Well, here I am to take my gruelling. I’ll be glad when it is all over. It’s a load off my mind. I’ve been a very worried man for a long time.” Accused said he had sold the stock, but could not explain where they had gone to. Witness asked if he realised the seriousness of what he had done. Accused replied: “Yes, I suppose I’m in for it, but your firm won’t lose anything.” He offered the firm an assignment of a portion of his property. Herbert Roiand Williams, auctioneer for Daigety’s, found only 176 sheep on making a muster. Heath Johnson, accountant for the firm, stated that advances had been made to Brosnahan on the stock returns furnished to the firm, totalling £798. Detective McLeod produced in evidence a statement by accused, who stated that he was counting on the stock left to his two sons. He was relying on them for the figures. He admitted that his son Aloysius George had also furnished false returns on December, 1926, at his instigation. Accused reserved his defence and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed. In the case against Aloysius George Bros nahan, similar evidence was tendered. The mortgage over the stock to the firm was over 736 sheep and 70 cattle, but on muster no sheep were found on the property. Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, bail being allowed.