A NEGLIGENT MAJOR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16985, 8 March 1923, Page 8

A NEGLIGENT MAJOR.

HAS TO FAY £SO. (Pr.it Press Association.) AUCKLAND. March 8. Major Hope Johnstone, a. ietired Army Officer, who was sued in the Sul remp Court by Hancock anil Coy. (brewers) for £SO on a bill of exchange which be was- induced in back by an alleged subterfuge was held liable on the ground that .he had been guilty of negligence in putting his signature to the document. Mr Justice Hertlmnn said that it was possible out not probable that Major Hope Johns tone did not know that he was endorsing a bill of exchange. It was difficult to believe that lie was aware that he was making himself a party to an instrument that could be negotiated. Assuming that he was deceived by Captain Davenport Brown, who presenter! the bill, that his mind did not accompany his act when he wrote his name, the facts proved him to be guilty of negligence and he was rtopped from succeeding with the defence that lie was fraudently induced to sign the document in the belief that it was a military voucher. It would be unfair in the circumstances that he should not shoulder the consequences of his carelessness.