A PECULIAR CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2112, 11 February 1908, Page 2

A PECULIAR CASE.

ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES. Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 10. A peculiar case was heard at the Magistrate's Court, before Air. Riddle, S.AI., this morning, when 'William Rattray Pope was charged with obtaining from Jos. AViliiam Salmon the sum of £6 0s Id by false precenees, the property of the AVestJ.and Timber Go. Air. Levey appeared for the Timber Co., and Air. Dunn, on behalf of the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Evidence for the.prosecution only was heard. It was staked that St. Thomas’ Church, of which defendant was vestryman, .had ordered goods which had been supplied, but not paid for. It was further alleged that the vestry had paid the money to Pope to pay tho company, and the latter had not yet received it. His AA’orship held that the evidence produced for the prosecution had in no way established a case with regard to the charge of false pretences. His AVorship stated that it was quite clear that there was no intention to defraud, as Air. Salmon by his evidence stated he -was quite aware of what defendant Was doing. In connection with the charge of theft, his AVorship held that- no case had. been made, and that it was quite clear that there wns a civil debt, - but there was no need to resort to oriminia! proceedings. Both in formations we re accord in glv dismissed, with cor ’-s £1 Is, in favor of defendant.