FORGED NOTES

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 60, 22 May 1928, Page 5

FORGED NOTES

SPLENDID IMITATIONS.

CONSPIRATORS; BEFORE COURT.

WOMAN.TURNS CROWN EVIDENCE,

United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. (Received 10.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. Pour men were charged with having conspired to forge £5 hank notes. Stefan Karasiewiez, a Russian process engraver; John Howarth, conj tractor. Benjamin Thomas, a tailor, l and Ralph Miller, a retired farmer, have been committed for trial. A foreign woman, Sena Marchenko, who lived with Karasiewiez in a remote bush hut near the seaside, turned Crown witness and all charges against her were withdrawn. She has recently been cared for by Convent Nuns. She gave evidence that she first made acquaintance with Karasiewiez soni e months ago when Howarth and Miller took her to the latter’s hut. She was unable to speak a word of English, and was unaware of Karasiewiez’s occupation until one day she saw some half completed five-pound notes. Afterwards she saw Karasiewiez preparing water marks, and sometimes notes. The printing was done in the presence of Howarth and Miller. Witness made paper flowers at Howarth’s suggestion as a “blind.” When, however, she discovered the note printing she announced her intention of clearing out, whereupon she was given a pair of shoes and sockings. Ronald Harrison, engraver and technical adviser to the Commonwealth Band, said the counterfeit notes were a splendid imitation. All accused are on bail.—Australian Press Assn.