“DETECTIVE RAINEY.”

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1770, 7 June 1913, Page 4

“DETECTIVE RAINEY.”

13IEDLING SENT UP FOR TRIAL. (By ToJcsraplj.—Presj Association.) Dannevirke, Jimo 8, "Dotectiro Bainey" ami coguato mat« tors were before Mr. S. E. M'Cartliy, S.M., to-day, when Ernest Roland Birdling was charged with obtaining credit for .£B, tho liiro of a motor-car by false pretences. The charge and proceedings were to the effect that ho had mado tho transaction by representing himself as a dctectivc. Ho pleaded not guilty; Evidcnoo was to tho cffect that accused had represented himself as a detective who was tracking throe men who wero alleged to havo obtained jewellery 011 probation from Stowart, Dawson, and Co. r Christchurch, for ladies' wear at a military ball there. They had failed to return tho valuables, and wero supposed to havoi mado their way to tho coast districts. Accused hired a motor-car to go after them, but failed to pay tho hire for it. Accuscd had also purchased a revolver, stating that ho was going to niako an arrest, and remarking: "You know wlint thoso bush fellows are! Thoy are pretty rough!" Next morning tho revolver was returned to tho shop whoro it had been, obtained. Accused, when arrested, attributed liis exploit to a "spirit of adventure." Counsel fqr accused stated that ho bc< longed to a very respectable family, and. had good prospects, Ho was only twenty" 0110 years of age. Thcro was something mnting in his. mental condition, but nothing was known against him. Tho wholo matter was too trilling to commit him for trial. Tho Bench: It is not trifling. I have no option but to commit him for trial. Accused reserved his defence, nnd wag committed for trial. The bail fixed (own recognisances) was .£SO.