Pimental Faces Trial

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 129, 5 November 1930, Page 3

Pimental Faces Trial

ALLEGED OIL CASE FRAUDS FIVE CHARGES PREFERRED By Telegraph—Copyright—Press Assn. WELLINGTON, Last night. Allegations that he falsely represented that he was the accredited representative of the Mecca Oil Co., of California, “one of the biggest and oldest, oil companies in America,” and in that way obtained sums of money from men who answered his newspaper advertisements, are made against Morton Parker Pimental, whose trial was commenced in the Supreme Court to-day. Mr. Justice OstleFwas on the Bench. The Crown Prosecutor, Mr. P. S. K. Macassey, with Mr. C. Evans Scott is conducting the prosecution and Mr. J. F. B. Stevenson and Mr. A. C. Mantell Harding are appearing for the accused.

Mr. Evans Scott said that P. Wimsett and L. Patterson were the first and last persons from whom it was alleged Pimental had falsely obtained money. There were four others, Alfred Dudley Smith, Ernest William Wakefield, Isaac Joseph Bason and Robert Leith Begg, in respect of whom, however, Pimental was not charged, but they would be called to give evidence. With slight variations it was alleged that Pimental represented to prospective agents: (1) That he was the accredited representative of the Mecca Oil Co., with its headquarters in California. (2) That the company had its own oil wells and refineries there. (3) That it was one of the oldest oil companies in the world.

No Financial Risk

(4) That a person investing capital in the company under the conditions the accused offered could not be running any financial risk, as the investor would be covered all the time by having the equivalent value of his capital represented by oil. (5) That the company was in a position enabling it very shortly to be on a par with such companies as the Atlantic, Union, Texas and other well-known companies.

Pimental’s story was believed, and in some cases the money paid over represented the life savings of parties. Various persons subsequently discovered that the accused was merely buying oil locally and selling it at slightly increased price. In not one case, it was alleged, ; had people who had dealt with the accused received oil to the same value as the money they paid to the accused.

Evidence on the lines given in the lower Court was given by Phillip Percy Wimsett, a salesman, who described answering the advertisement and his subsequent transactions leading to the dispute in the office over accounts which culminated in a fight.

“Crook Oil Business”

“I said,” said witness, “‘I have had enough of you and your crook oil business.’ I was rising from a chair with the statement in my hand when he punched me in the jaw and tried to grab it away from me. He tore the statement. I retaliated properly and finished up by getting him against the wall and punching him properly. He cried out for help and eventually a man pulled me off him. I handed him my set of keys and said I wanted a settlement in full on Monday morning.” Witness said that the statement ’ he was handed on the following Monday showed that Pimental owed him £5O. Pimental, however, owed him £94 6s Id, which he had not received back.

Wimsett gave details of what had happened in a store in Dixon Street. Empty drums had been purchased from different oil companies, and he had seen different weights of oils mixed. He taxed Pimental about that, and Pimental said: “Someone has got to get it and they will have some fun with it too.” Considerable further evidence was given by other witnesses alleged to have been victimised by Pimental. Representatives of oil companies detailed transactions concerning Pirnental’s purchase of oil. The case was adjourned till tomorrow.