ALLEGED FRAUD.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15998, 29 May 1924, Page 7

ALLEGED FRAUD.

HAMILTON PROSECUTION.

INSURANCE AGENT CHARGED

ISSUE OF VALUELESS CHEQUES

A young insurance agent stationed in Hamilton, Cecil William White, appeared at the Magistrate's Court today before Messrs H- E. Tristram and R. F. Haycock, J's.P., on several charges involving dishonesty. Detective Sweeney prosecuted, accused being represented by Mr Powell. In opening the case Defective Sweeney explained that the circumstances surrounding the charges were of the usual nature —a man having overdrawn his bank account and then resorting to the issue of valueless cheques. When seen by the police after complaints had been made White stated that he expected £2OO to be paid into his account by a man at Hawera. Inquiries were made, but no trace could be made of While's mysterious financier.

By the consent of the Court the police divided the charges into two sets of indictments, the first batch of which comprised the two following counts—(l) receiving from Dr. Waddell, with intent to defraud £25 by means of a certain false pretence, and (2) with obtaining from Herbert Henry Leak with intent to defraud £27 12s 6d by means of a false pretence. Herbert Henry Leak, accountant to the firm of House and Daking, Ltd., drapers, Hamilton, gave evidence of accused having tendered a cheque for £32 in payment of an account of £4 7s 6d owing to the firm- White received £27 12s 6d in casli as change. The cheque was later returned from the bank as valueless. Eventually White came in to sec Mr House and explained that he expected money to have been paid into his account at Ihe bank. White was given a chance lo find the money, but as he had failed to make retribution the matter was placed in the hands of the police. ■ Frank Cornelius House, a member of the firm of House and Daking, gave evidence of a similar nature.

Alexander Gold Waddell, medical practitioner, Hamilton, deposed to accused having called on nim in respect to certain insurance business. Accused mentioned casually bow- easy it was to obtain credit in Hamilton. He stated that he had purchased goods on credit, promising to pay for them on a certain date. As he was short of ready cash, however, he asked witness to give him a cheque for £25, against his cheque, which he assured witness would be honoured at Hawera. At first witness refused, but knowing that White was attached to a reputable company, finally consented to give him the cheque. The Bank, however, returned White's cheque marked "refer to drawer." Witness sought accused and told him angrily that he didn't mind giving money away ,but he did object to it being stolen. The £25 had not been repaid to witness. Frederick Arthur Evans, land agent. Hawera. stated that he owed £350 to White's wife, balance of a loan. At the end of la.st year he received a telegram from White asking him to pay. the money into bis (White's) account at the Commercial Bank, Hawera. However no arrangements were made between White, Mrs White or witness that this money should be paid into the Commercial Bank.

Murray George Thomas, of the Commercial Bank. Hawera. said that White's account'at the bank was closed on'January 29 last. Some weeks prior to this accused issued several cheques, but as there were not sufficient funds to meet them they were, sent back.

Accused pleaded not guilty, reserved his. defence, and was committed for trial. Second Indictment. The second batch taken at the instigation of accused's late employers, consisted of the following charges:— M) Theft'of a total sum of £4l 12s. which amount was in his possession as a, servant of the .Mutual Life and Citi/er:s Assurance Co.. Ltd.; (2) fallkig to account lo the same company for C2 lis received by him on its behalf, from Cissio Lewis: (3) failing to a-, -oiint lo the company for £3 10s id -eerived from Liehard Beaver; (41 failiug to account for £l.l 8s paid L. him as a representative of the company by Ernest John Smith. Evidence as to the second baitch of charges was proceeding as we. went to press.