BLANK CHEQUES.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, 23 August 1923, Page 5

BLANK CHEQUES.

WARNING TO BUSINESS MEN,

Some pertinent observations on the case with which blank cheques can be obtained were made by the Grand Jury tit the Supreme Court at New Plymouth last week after they had returned a true bill in the case of a young man charged with forging and uttering. “The Grand Jury desires to lay before the Court,” said the foreman (Mr T. C. List), “the presentment that in issuing cheques to strangers, more care and discretion should be exercised by the business community. The jury feels that the indiscriminate issue of cheques to strangers is likely to encourage the weak-minded and criminally inclined.” His Honour Mi* Justice Chapman said he would have the remarks conveyed to the Minister, but he thought that they could be taken only as a recommendation from the Grand Jury to the the business community (reports the Taranaki “Daily News”). It has been found necessary in the interests of business for the banks themselves to sell cheque forms to srtangers. The banks must be fully aware that there was some risk attached to this procedure, but he supposed that they could not find time to make enquiries concerning the purchasers. “Al I can do is to send this on to the Minister.” Sir Fredrick added, “but it is more properly a matter for the Press to take notice of than for any other form of suggestion by way of remedy.” He thanked the Grand Jury for its recommendation. Mr List remarked that the recommendation was really one for the consideration of the business community.