ALLEGED SWINDLE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1921, Page 4

ALLEGED SWINDLE

OYER BUILDING CONTRACTS

WELLINGTON. April 6

At the Magistrate's Court a ce.-e was heard against Thomas Keen Cock burn, on a charge of theft and false representations. The first charge was that he obtained £l5O from I'.. 1. Farrington by falsely represontating himself as owner of timber and sawmili at Dannevirke. A second charge was of theft of £2O from Harrington. It was stated accused established himself in 1920 as a builder under the name of the Tcrabidox Building Syndicate. Through answering advertisements and in other ways, lie contracted to build houses, asking and receiving deposits ranging from £IOO to £17.0. Accused, who really was the syndicate undertook for clients to borrow money from the State, taking a second mortgage himself for the balance beyond the amount of deposits. Evidence was called to the effect that witnesses had paid deposits to accused oil his promise to build, but tuat lie made no attempt to proceed with the erection of houses.

One witness who soiiglii work from accused gave evidence that h<‘ was (m----ployed chiellv in the prepend ion of plans and supervising work. He "as engaged tor one period at £9 a wck. and for a subsequent period at £i per week, but in 12 montlie he only received £O3 in wages. During that period lie was in accused’s employ and had prepared plans and specifications for buildings worth £20.000.

Detective-Sergeant Torrance gave evidence as to fruitless calls at accused's office, fie went to bis private house and met accused’s wife, wlm said the latter was out of town. Tile detective was not satisfied and went to the back door and knocked. Fie got no response and then threatened to force an entrance. Accused opened the door, thereupon ho arrested the accused. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, on bail of £l5O and two similar sureties.