NEW DEVELOPMENT IN BANK CLERK'S TRIAL

Chronicle (Levin), 4 November 1947, Page 8

NEW DEVELOPMENT IN BANK CLERK'S TRIAL

WELLINGTON, Nov. 3. A new developraent arose in the case oi Peter Edward Millett, bank clerk, aged 24, when the hearhig was resumed fn the Supreme Court. Millett is eharged on three counts of forgery, three of entering forged. documents, and one of theft of Government stocls cer tifieates of the face value of £10,000. Dr. O. C. Mazengarb, for aeepsed, was eross-examining Detective-Sergt. G. Hogan who was in eharge of the investigations. Dr. Mazengarb said: "I want to show you a book ealled c Forged, anonymoiis and suspeet documents. ' Were you shown this book the other day as having come from ,the Public Library? Witness: Yes. . You brought it to me Ln Court. You iustructed me to make some enquiries. Dr. Mazengarb: Was it pointed out to you that this book. was taken out on February 24 and March 25, 1947? Witness: You made some remark about that. I did not examine it. Dr. Mazengarb: Did. I ask you if you vvould be good enougli to inquire from the Public Library who had takeu out this book and the purpose for which it was takeu out in February and March? Witness: You did, in the presence of the Crown Solicitor. Dr. Mazengarb: Did you give any consideration to the question as to whether there was a possible elue from the fact tliat.a person had taken this book from the Public Library about the time this fraud was commenced? Witness: No. Dr. Mazengarb: It is true you have declined to follow up what might be a possible clue? Witness: No. I have to take my in structions from the Crown Solicitor. Dr. Mazengarb said he had made in quiries at the Public Library and had learned the name of the person who had drawn the book. It was in confidence, however, but if the police made inquiries they would learn the persou's name. The book was not drawn in accused's name. The wliole case miglu collapse if the person who took the book out were identilied. His Ilonour: Which case, the defence or prosecution? Dr. Mazengarb: Either. His Ilonour said the defenee would be assisted in any way possible. Detective-Sergt. Hogan left the Court to make inquiries and may be called again tomorrow. Kergvaut Colclough, officer in eharge of the criminal registration branch which deaD with iingerprint evideime, gave details of comparisons made by him between prints found on the documents and those of accused. He said that in his opinion some of the prints 011 the documents were Millett 's.