“BROWN PAPER PARCEL.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17350, 15 May 1924, Page 7

“BROWN PAPER PARCEL.”

BETTING CHARTS AND CARDS. JURY DISAGREES ON FORGERY CHARGE. Fkr Press Association WELLINGTON, May 15. The trial of Reginald Hoggard, a clerk, former!}* employed in the Te Aro branch of the National Bank, on charges of forging a cheque for £ll7 17s and uttering the same, and alternately. the theft of that sum, was ended'last night.

The jury after deliberating for four hours returned at 9.30 o’clock, stating that there was no hope of agreement. Evidence was given concerning two cheques alleged to have been forged byaccused.

The accountant at the bank described certain entries in the bank books made by accused as fictitious. Detective Nuttall related what took place when he visited the bank in response to a telephone call on March 27. He -examined a brown paper parcel, the property of the accused, which was found in the basement of the bank, where accused had placed it. Among other things which the parcel contained was betting material such as day cards, double cards and a betting ledger. There were also two credit slips, a cheque torn in four pieces and a specimen signature book.

His Honor stated that the case was not a simple one, although it should have been could it be said Hoggard was in the box as a victim of a blunder or a mistake. He had made no explanation, though given every opportunity the bank to do so. What the jury had to decide was whether this was a fraudulent transaction.

When the jury announced its disagreement a new trial was ordered for Monday.