EXTRAORDINARY INSURANCE FRAUD.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 1 February 1901, Page 3

EXTRAORDINARY INSURANCE FRAUD.

(per press association.) Wellington, This Day. Walter M Phillips, formerly General Manager in New Zealand for the Imperial Insurance Company, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court to-day with having stolen £405 Is 6d belonging to the Company, and also having forged the signature of W. J. Wilkins to a receipt for £405 and to a proposal for ineuranee. The evidence showed that accused submitted in his own hand-writing proposals of insurance on property in Armagh Street Christchurch, purporting to bo owned by Wilkins who was represented as an illiterate Wellington settler who had to sign by his mark subsequently this was forwarded to Melbourne with the usual papers pertaining to claim on loss of property and the money was paid. The Higher authorities of the company found no such property existed.

Tba accused on being challenged admitted that claim was “ bogus ” but said the money had not gone into his pocket, but had been used in settling outstanding balances that existed when he took charge of the office. At the close of the ease for the prosecution Phillips pleaded guilty, and was remanded to the Supreme Courtier sentence.