FALSE STOCK RETURNS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 4

FALSE STOCK RETURNS

CHARGE AGAINST FARMERS ADVANCES OBTAINED Press Association. GISBORNE, Monday. A case, of interest to stock firms was hear before Mr. Levvy; S.M., to-day. Thomas Brosnahan and his son Aloysius Geo. Brosnahan were charged with having in the past two years obtained by alleged false stock returns advances from Dalgety and Company of £798 and £376 respectively. John Joseph Heasley, manager for Dalgety and Company, stated that in July, 1925, the firm had taken a stock mortgage over the sheep owned by Thos. Brosnahan, who was a client of the firm. There were two conditions, viz., that all sales or purchases be put through the firm, and that half-yearly returns be made by the accused of stock in Brosnahan's 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 ;i long time.” Accused said he could not explain where the stock had gone to. Witness asked him 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 Roland Williams, auctioneer to Dalgety’s, said he found only 176 sheep on making a muster. Heath Johnston, accountant to the firm, stated that the advances made to Brosnahan on the stock returns furnished totalled £798. Thomas Brosnahan reserved his defence and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed. In the case against Aloysius George Brosnahan, siimlar evidence was tendered. A mortgage was given to Dalgety’s over 736 sheep and 70 cattle, but it was stated that on a muster being made no sheep were found on the property. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed.