AUCTION FRAUDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1923, Page 2

AUCTION FRAUDS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, December IT. l’eculiar auctioneering methods were alleged in the L’olice Court when Clarence Russell, aged 33. and dames Henry Abrahams, aged 21. Mere charged with having conspired to defraud .Jollerson Davis Edwards c.f CIOS. and Alexander I’eicy Young of I'lD-'i. Two charges of olitaiuing money by false pretences bv representing that ,t would he returned, were also preferred against them. Edwaids stated that lie went into the Central Auction .Mart, Queen Street, where Abrahams asked him to assist in boosting the bidding, to advertise the auction. He was assured his money would lie returned after the sale. 1 here was little competition, and Abrahams stood at his elbow, urging him to call cut bids periodically. A vaiicty of articles, a large part being of the familiar imitation cheap kick quality. were knocked down to him. Edwards paid £GO for alleged silver articles, valued later at £5 ,10s. The total payments amounted to £l!U> in cheques. M hen witness asked for his money hack, the ateuseil denied all knowledge of the arrangement for its return.

Voting gave similar evidence, saying Alualuu |s whispered to him : —-"’1 he next item will he wristlet watches. 3 1! vetch your eye for one.” \\ itness continued : —“He caught my eye, and it cost me Ci." Witness obtained binoculars worth £2 IPs for £3O. and an apparently worthless ring and a marble dock for ClOd. Witness paid £245 in cheques, and on a refusal, to return to ] ini later he went to the bank, where lie discovered that cheques amounting to■ £11)3 had already been cashed. He stopped payment of the remainder, and shortly afterwards received £IOO through the post from Russell, without any explanation. Another witness said he rendered £5 in pavinent for a watch, hotight for £2. He received no change, but a oake r.f shaving soap, razor and strop, and pocket wallet were thrust upon him. Accused pleaded not guilty, reserved their defence, and were committed for trial, getting hail at £4OO each.