CLUE ON A CASH-BOX

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14536, 7 December 1920, Page 8

CLUE ON A CASH-BOX

FINGER-PRINT IDENTIFICATION. Remarkable evidence relating to finger-prints was given at Lambeth when James William Archer (17) was accused of committing a series oi thefts. In 'the first case he was charged with committing a burglary at the residence of Mrs Annie Allen, at Klmington Terrace, Cambcrwell. Detective Wills stated that when told he would be charged with committing the burglary, Archer replied:, "Quite right." The second charge was one or breaking and entering a factory ai Ildcrton lload. Bermondsey, in _ the occupation of Charles Farris, babycarriage manufacturer, and stealingproperty value £B. When Detective Kauvel was called in lie noticed that a cash box bore a finger impression, and he submitted the box to Supt. Collins. While Archer was under remand at Brixton Prison, Warder Ashford took his finger impressions, and they were also sent to Scotland Yard. Supt. Collins, in charge of the Finger Prints Department at Scotland Yard, gave evidence that he had the finger imprint on the cash-box and Archer's left ring linger prints photographically enlarged. He noted 15 ridge characteristics on prisoner's left ring finger which coincided with tile finger impression on the cash-box, and he could point out several others. "Judging from my experience," remarked witness, "I have no doubt that the finger impression upon the cashbox is that of prisoner's left ring linger." The third charse asninst prisoner was of stealing a quantity of harness from a stable at Balaclava Road, Bermondsey. Mr Fry committed Archer for trial at London sessions on all three charges.