SENSELESS HOAX

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20445, 16 June 1936, Page 3

SENSELESS HOAX

STUDENT BEFORE COURT By Telegraph—Press Association DUNEDIN, June 15. A senseless hoax, perpetrated on the police on Saturday night, by which they were led to believe that a prominent figure in acadamic and ecclestiatical circles had been murdered, had the sequel in the Police Court this morning, when a medical student, George de Lacy Fenwick, was charged with making a false statement to the police that a crime had been committed. Senior-Sergeant Packer said accused admitted the offence, but r > there were others concerned an adjournment would be necessary. Mr Silverstone appeared for the accused, who was not present in Court. The Senior-Sergeant said at 11.40 on Saturday night a telephone message was received by Sergeant Forsythe, at the watch house. “Is that the police station? Send some police up here at once. I have just found Dr Merrington murdered.” The sergeant questioned the person ringing, and the latter satisfied him that everything was in order. “Please hurry,” the voice continued. “Mr Sim, sub-master at Knox College speaking. Please hurry, I can’t wait any longer.” A sergeant and three policemen speeded to the college by motor to find that Dr. Merrington was well and nothing had occurred. The police immediately set out on inquiries, and a constable located the accused at another college. He admitted the offence. The Senior-Sergeant said that such a practice, besides being foolish, might be very dangerous, because if such messages were received it was possible that when a genuine message was received by the police a few valuable minutes might be lost while inquiries were being made. The case was adjourne. till Monday.