AN UNUSUAL CHARGE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 7 November 1912, Page 7

AN UNUSUAL CHARGE.

LAW SOCIETY PROSECUTES A

LAND AGENT

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November 5. ku unusual charge was brought against F. A. Clark, land agent, before Mr. F. V. Frazer at the Police Court. Defendant was charged that on September 20fch, not being .a barrister of the Supremo Court, ho acted as conveyance by preparing and receiving payment for the release of a, certain mortgage document. .

Mr. J. R. Reed, who appeared for the Law Society, stated that the Society had ascertained that defendant had mado out tho release. It was further found that he had prepared the original mortgage, but as that had been drawn up over six months ago no action would bo taken. A feo of ono guinea had been charged for the preparation of the relense. Tho Society would press for a substantial, yet not vindictive penalty. It had been aware for some time of the fact that this sort of thing had been going on among land agents, but it was difficult to get a conviction. For tho defence it was said the defendant wag a licensed land broker, and had served his articles as a, solicitor's clerk. Ho was under the impression that deeds drawn upon printed forms issued by the Government at a cost of Is could bo filled up by any layman. Thero was no concealment of tho offence by hint, and he had acted in perfectly good faith.

A fine of £5 with costs was imposed