CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1927, Page 1

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

A DISHONEST JUDGE. AUCKLAND, July 31. L. C. .Morrow, a mvcwy. of Mnnurewa, knows something about crossword puzzles. He was the only man to solve correcti’y a puzzle composed for a competition organised by the New Zealand Natives’ Association. There was this minor difficulty, however. “ Morrow ” was a pseudonym assumed by Erie George Stewart, who judged the. competition. Stewart, who is 23, was charged at the Police Court to-day with obtaining £SO, me first prize, from the Natives’ Association by fraud.

Chief Detective Cummings said that Stewart was employed by tile Association to take charge of a cross-word puzzle competition closing on July 91b. The puzzle had been set by an Auckland clergyman, and the key was deposited with a solicitor. Stewart and a man named Fowler began judging tbe competition, but Fowler had to go home at 11.30 p.m. on judging night, leaving Stewart alone. Stewart, seeing that no correct solution had boon sent in, made out one in the name of L. C. Morrow, navvy, of Manurewa. Stewart tried to get the cheque sent to Manurewa. where he had left instructions for the mythical Morrow’s Vetters to be redirected to Newmarket.

“ It was an impudent false pretence,” said Air Cummings, “ and Wo have not boon able to trace the winners of other cross-word puzzle competitions.” Mr Dickson, who appeared for Stewart, said that the young man had yielded to a suddon temptation. Althouglit the Court might view it sceptically, the accused said that lie went to Newmarket Post Office with the intention of destroying the cheque, and all the evidence. The publicity in the ease would bo a severe punishment for him. The Chief-Detective: A lot of people paid in their shillings hoping to liavo a chance of winning. The ease has had features. Mr Dickson: Tho worst feature is yielding to temptation. The Chief-Detective: The worst feature is tlie taking down of these unfortunate people. Stewart was fined £lO.