ALLEGED FRAUDS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15980, 7 May 1924, Page 5

ALLEGED FRAUDS.

MILK SUPPLIERS CHARGED. I, r* ■ By Telegraph.—Press Association. PALMERSTON N., Tuesday. The local sessions of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Mr Justice Hosking. True bills were returned in five cases wherein Henry Simpson was charged, witli Arthur Melvin Taylor, John Jens Lorens Thomascn, Otto Kreegher, Richard uairgan, and Alfred Wright, with having conspired to defraud in connection with the supply of cream to the Cheltenham Dairy Company. The first case heard was that against Simpson and Thomascn, who were charged that during October last they conspired to defraud the Cheltenham Dairy Company of £B9 18s by means of false cream tests. Simpson pleaded guilty and Thomascn not guilty. Simpson left the dock and the trial against the second accused was proceeded with. Addressing the jury the Crown Prosecutor said that, while there was no question of the company having been defrauded of a certain sum, the amount set out in the charge was merely speculative. It represented the probable loss by the company through accused's alleged conduct. The way :'n which the alleged fraudulent conspiracy was found out was somewhat unusual. When Simpson was absent from work at the factory owing to illness, tests went down, but when he returned a few weeks later the tests immediately went up acain. The suspicions of the company were aroused. Defendant and others were involved, and were given an opportunity of explaining. They attended a meeting of directors, and, counsel claimed, the offence was practically admitted. At this stage the Court adjourned.