POSED AS AVIATOR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 300, 18 December 1931, Page 13

POSED AS AVIATOR.

New Hebridean Fined at Auckland. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, December 17. A recent arrival from the New Hebrides, Arthur Thomas Morrison Grove, aged forty-two years, was charged today with falsely representing himself to be' entitled to wear the Military Cross, the Flying Cross and the D.C.M. Squadron-Leader L. M. Isitt said that Grove gave him to understand that he had had considerable service with the Flying Corps. Doubting his statements, witness wrote to military headquarters and ascertained that accused’s name was not on any official Army List. Accused had applied for a position as pilot-instructor to the Wairarapa Aero Club and had submitted what purported to be a testimonial and a discharge certificate. When Grove announced his intention of giving evidence, the Magistrate warned him of the possibility of a perjury charge. Grove said he would go in the box as he possessed the decorations, but counsel dissuaded him. Accused was fined £2O, or three months’ imprisonment.

Evidence was heard on charges of theft and false pretences. On these he was committed for trial, no bail being applied for.