A MAJOR GETS 18 MONTHS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 58, 4 November 1914, Page 2

A MAJOR GETS 18 MONTHS.

FORGERY AND UTTERING.

At the Yass (N.S.W.) Quarter Sessions on Friday, 23rd ult., before Act-ing-Judge Bevan 1 , Charles Stuart Fraser Fraser, late manager of the Burrinjuck resumed areas, was arraigned on charges of forging and uttering wage receipts, purporting to bo signed by 11. M'Kinnon and W. Berry, employees of tho department. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr F. Howard, and Air N. (i. Pilcher prosecuted for the Crown. The case lasted until 10’o’clock at night, and tho greatest interest was manifested in the proceedings, tho court being crowded.

The jury, after half an hour’s deliberation, returned a verdict ol guilty. Next morning references as to the character of the prisoner, who has a commission as major in tho army signed by. the King, were given, and an ap - peal was made for him to be dealt with under the provisions of the First Offenders Act, so that he might he allowed to serve in the war. His Honor said the offence was a very serious one, and he conld not, therefore, comply with the request. The prisoner was a welleducated man of experience, and was a public officer of trust in the service of the State. He should know better than a man brought up in less fortunate circumstances. The sentence was 18 months’ imprisonment on each count, the sentences to he concurrent.