SEQUEL TO KIDNAPPING

Chronicle (Levin), 5 October 1949, Page 5

SEQUEL TO KIDNAPPING

(N.Z.P.A.-

— Reuter

Sfan Arrestedj Says He Has Complete Answer

Canuriant)

Received Wedngsday, 11.15 a.nq. MELBpURUE, Oct. 5. Arising out of . tlie kidnapping of Solqmqp Ravdell, 69-yqar-Qld businessman, dqtective arrested Benjamin Gelbart, aged 29,' described as a nianufacturer and businessman. He y/as cliarged on five coun:s witli demanding money by menaces, unlawful wounding, cq'nspiracy tq defraud, being armed with a knife when arrested and assault. Re was pgmanded ori bail of £10QO. until Qctober 11. " Gelbart" was piaiptiff in a recent court actiqn against Ravdell's sop. He is a distant relation by niarriage of the Ravdell family. He arriyed in Australia 25 years ago, about the same time. as the Ravdells migrated her'e from the Ukraine. Profitable Deals. Gelbart said that when the Army began selling surplus war goods in New Guinea he went tffere and bought large' quantities of materials. He did very well from these deals and in 1947 went on a business trip through North and South America. Last year he visited every country in Europe. Fpr some time he had been engaged in a legal battle with the son of the kidnapped man over the payment of moneys alleged to be owing on goods 'delivered. Gel-bert denies all thq charges and claims that his arrest is ridiculous and preposterous because he had nothing to do with the kidnapping. He says his fight is with Maurice Ravdell, nqt his father, and that he has a complete answer to all the charges. In the litigation now proceeding Maurice Ravdell will seek an, order that Gelbart pay about £6000' cosis arising from the unsuccessful claim he made before a private arbitrator that Ravdell had embezzled £18,6000. Gelbart seeks to upset the arbitrator's decision.