FORGED N.Z. NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 33, 7 August 1936, Page 8

FORGED N.Z. NOTES

CIRCULATED IN SYDNEY

CLEVER ALTERATIONS

(From "The Post's" Representative.)

SYDNEY, July 27.

One of the most skilful forgers ever to operate in Sydney has been passing clever forgeries as New Zealand £10 notes. -Genuine New Zealand notes are used, 10s and £1 notes oeing made to represent £10 notes: Some of the forged notes have been obtained by detectives. Bank officials have, expressed surprise on learning that the notes were forged In several instances their first examination did not reveal that the notes were forgeries, but when the detectives pointed out almost indiscernible flaws, they readily recognised them. The notes used are genuine Reserve Bank of New Zealand currency, which have been altered. At least three have been passed to city jewellers, who have handed them to the police.

One was originally a £1 note, of violet colour. On one side the figure "1" was printed very largely in. several places. Chemicals were used to erase parts of the figures which were then altered to "10." "Ten Pounds" was then printed in appropriate places, and the forgery was complete. It yielded the forger £6 10s in change and, a gold watch worth £3 10s. •

Another of the forgeries is a 10s note, also altered to read £10. This forgery was so cleverly perpetrated that unless the, note was held to the light and studied closely, the alterar tion could not be observed.

The police here are certain that attempts will be made to pass more forgeries, either to business men or bookmakers, and. they also think that some may be sent to other States. They also believe that forged notes to the value of hundreds of pounds have been prepared, probably in New Zealand, but possibly in J Sydney. They are doing all in their power to prevent the passing of more of them. They point out that the Reserve Bank does not issue £10 notes.