A LOVE EPISODE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 881, 4 May 1903, Page 3

A LOVE EPISODE.

CHARGE OF FALSE PRETENCES

A case in which a middle-aged widow lady complained o£ being badly fleeced by a youthful lover was heard by Mr T. Hutchison, S.M., in the Auckland Police Court on Friday. John Woulfo, for whom Mr J. R. Reed appeared, was charged with obtaining by moans of a falso pretence and with intent to defraud, the sum of £l2 10s from Isabel Senior. He pleaded not guilty. Chief-Detective Grace called Mrs Senior, who said she was a cook, and that six months ago she became acquainted with accused, who obtained monetary assistance from her, on the representation that his peoplo wore fairly well to do. Accused was a canvasser at the time. She lent him £l2 10s to buy a horse and cart with on October 28 last. Chief Detective Grace said accused had obtained £SO in Small sums from the witness.

Continuing, witness said the horse was to bo bought in her name, and used by accused. Accused shortly afterwards went away to Wellington, and made her believe that he had bought tho horse. Accused obtained about £SO in all in various sums from her. Chief Detective Grace put in as evidence a letter received by witness from accused at Palmerston North.

His Worship : What are these for '? Detective Graco: To show how the woman was fleeced.

His Worship (reading aloud from the letter): “ Oh, you are my heart’s desire.” What 1

Chief-I>etoctive Grace : Accused was engaged to bo inumod to tho witness. His Worship (reading on): " I’m dying to see your sweet face again. I have been a bad boy,” etc. To blr Beed : These letters are all tho same strain. Witness, continuing, said accused wrote to her stating that “ Mr But’ne,” solicitor, Victoria street, had Toso belonging to him, and asked her to go and draw £5, and scud it to him. Witness was uuuble to find ,l Mr Buthic,” and sent the money from her own funds. Accused said he would repay the money when he got money that ho was expecting from his | people in Melbourne. Mr Beed : Are you engaged to be married to accused still ? His Worship : Ob, Mr Deed 1 I suppose that Barkis is still willin' Witnoss (with hesitation) : It has not been broken off. By Mr Beed : Witness lent accused the money because she was engaged to him and loved him. She would have advanced him tho money whether ho had money coming to him or not. His Worship : Tho man has evidently fleeced you, but there is no evidence of false pretence on fact, either past or present. Accused was discharged. o ■ ~~