MINING GOODS ON FALSE PRETENCES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9594, 4 February 1910, Page 5

MINING GOODS ON FALSE PRETENCES.

Daniel Sweeney was charged at tiie Magistrate's Court this moruiug, before Mr R. H. Turtou, S.M., that he did obtain goods from Messrs McGruer aud Co. by false pretences.

Mr C. A. Pownall appeared for ac cused aud eutered a plea of guilty.

Sergeaut Miller stated that about December 28th last accused came to live at Mastertou. On the Mouday following that date he had beeu introduced to Mr McDonald, Martinborough, who engaged him as a shearer. Accused asked him for his address, aud was given au envelope containing Mr McDonald's name and address.| With this iv his possessiu'i accused went into McGruer's shop aud ordered some goods, producing the envelope as authority from Mr McDonald to do so. The mau iv charge refused, and accused theu weut out aud brought back what he alleged to be an order from Mr McDonald for the goods. On the production of this he was given goods to the value of £7 8s lOd, which he subsequently sold again.

Mr Pownall admitted that accused had hagn guilty of an offence, but state"fchat It" was the habit of employes, when engaged to go to a statiou, to order goods aud pay for them afterwards. Unfortunately, accused had resorted to the means alluded to of obtaining the goods. Counsel asked for probation.

Douald McDonald gave evidence as to having engaged accused to work ou the statiou that he was mauagiug at Martinborough. It was the custom there for youug men, when going out to work, to order goods at the store and then get an order for them from the manager.

By Sergeaut Miller: The storekeepers took the risk iv allowing the goods to go out. Dauiel Sweeney said lie came from Wellington aud tried to get the goods from McGruer and Co. ou the strength of his engagement by Mr McDonald. He sold the goods in order to got enough to pay his railway fare to Wellington so that he migiit get his dogs, aud intended to come back aud go to the work.

His Worship stated that accused would be remanded till 14th inst. for the probation officer's report, aud if that were favourable he would admit accusswo probation ou terms. Accused was admitted to bail in liis own recognisance of £20, aud one surety of £20.