Untitled

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3718, 15 June 1883, Page 2

In reference to the charge of obtaining money under false pretences, heard before the Resident Magistrate yesterday, His Worship commented strongly upon the carelessness shown by the prosecutor in taking a cheque which on the face of it. was valueless. In justice, however, to Mr R. 11. Robinson, we have authority for stating that it was late in the afternoon when the prisoner entered tho shop, that as a frequent customer she was well known to himself avid to his assistants, and that she was always regarded as a most respectable young person. Tho girl mado some purchases on the counter opposite to that where Mr Robinson was serving, and when his assistant asked for change for the cheque given him by the girl Mr Robinson contented himself by asking whose cheque it was. The girl said it was Mr Waddell's, and, knowing that she was in that gcntloman's employment, lie gave the change without hesitation. It was not until tho gas was lighted, and he was making up his cash, that Mr Robinson discovered the valueless character of the cheque. This is the whole story, and if Mr Robinson was guilty of carelessness in the matter it was a carlcssnecs of the kind that is shown, probably, overy day in pretty nearly all the business establishments in tho town. Unless tradespeople resolutely refuse to accept cheques in payment for goods we do not see how they can prevent the liability of being occasionally fleeced.