CHARGE OF FRAUD.

Waikato Times, Volume 115, Issue 19203, 13 March 1934, Page 2

CHARGE OF FRAUD.

SALES OF BALES OF WOOL

CASE OF MUCH INTEREST.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) TIMARU, Monday. A case of considerable interest to sheep farmers and stock and station agency firms was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when John Simmons, farmer, of Makikihi, was charged that on or about February 7, with intent to defraud by false pretences, by the representation that wool in 13 bales branded 1 5.5.,” which actually contained several classes of wool, was half-bred ewe wool, which representation was known to be false and made to certain prospective buyers with the fraudulent intent to induce the buyers to act upon it. he did attempt to obtain money. The first witness was Ivon Simmons, son of accused, who described the shearing and the practice followed In baling and pressing. The magistrate, Mr C. R. OrrWalker, asked witness if, as alleged, fline wool was on the outside of the bales and coarse wool was in the centre, could this have happened accidentally.—Witness: It may have. The Magistrate: It would have been a strange coincidence for such a thing to have happened in the case of 13 bales?—Witness: Yes.

Difference In Values. Frederick Cecil May, who was In charge of the auction and wool department of the Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association, said that accused had 39 bales in the February sale. There was finer wool on tho top and bottom of 13 bales. There was a decided difference in the value of the wool. The finer wool showing witness valued at about 21d per lb., and the coarser wool he valued at 9d to lOd per lb. Accused was committed for trial at the next session of the Supreme Court at Timaru. Bail was fixed at £IOO.