ALLEGED FORGERY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 May 1928, Page 5

ALLEGED FORGERY.

OF £5 NOTES. FOUR MEN COMMITTED. (Received Tuesday, 10.45 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. The four men charged with having conspired to forge £5 bank notes— Stefan Karasicwicz, a Russian process engraver, John Howarth, contractor, Benjamin Thomas, tailor, and Ralph Miller, retired farmer —have been committed for trial.

A foreign woman named Senia Marchenko, who lived with Karasicwicz in a remote bush hut near the seaside, turned Crown witness, and all the charges against her were withdrawn. She has recently been cared for by convent nuns.

She gave evidence that she first made the acquaintance of Karasiewiez some months ago when Ilowarth and Miller took her to the latter’s hut. She was unable to speak a word of English and was unaware of Karasiewiez’s occupation till one day she saw half a completed five pound note. Afterwards she saw Karasiewiez preparing paper and making watermarks. Sonictimes note printing was done in the presence of Ilowarth and Miller. Witness made paper flowers at Ilowarth’s suggestion as a '‘blind.” When, however, she discovered the note printing she announced her intention of clearing out, whereupon she was given a pair of shoes and stockings. Konakl Harrison, engraver and technical adviser to the Commonwealth Bank,’ said that the counterfeit notes were a splendid imitation. All the accused are on bail. —Australian and N.Z. Press Assn.