FORGERY ALLEGED

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1929, Page 3

FORGERY ALLEGED

ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association

ROTORUA, Nov. 27

A case of special interest to journalists was heard yesterday at the Magistrate’s Court tie fore Mr Paterson, tt.AI. 'Charles Henry Campbell Worthington, editor of the “Rotorua Ch: oni.lc,” proceeded against James Alexander Ritchie, described as a labourer, on three counts of forgery, viz: (1) By making a false document, a letter addressed to the Editor of the “Chronicle,” Rotorua, purporting to be signed and made in whole by one, Robert Yule, of Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, who did net authorise the making of such letter; (2) By making a false document, a letter addressed to the Editor of the “Chronicle,” Rotorua, in the name of one, Robert Yule, of Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, witn the fraudulent intention that such letter should pass as being made by the said Robert Yule; (3) By making a false document,, a letter addressed to the Editor of the “Chronicle,” Rotonia, purporting to be signed and made in whole by one, Robert Yule, of Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, a person who did not in fact, exist. The informant gave evidence of the receipt of the letter, which, made a ■certain , reflection on the State, forest management, and on afforestation companies. The writing was well-known to him as that of, Ritchie. On en quiries at the State Forest and at the Afforcstatipn Companies he had failed to find Yule. A further letter for publication, received from “A. Cook,” couched in similar terms, decided the editor to take action. The Chronicle had previously suffered heavy damage through false signatures attached to correspondence. Evidence - was given by William T. Morrison Conservator of Forests; V. T. Fai, manager of tbe Afforestation Proprietary; El. Johnson, Manager of the Perpetual Forests; and T, G. Quilter, Forest Guard. All denied any knowledge of Robert Yule. , . . The defence admitted the writing of the letter, stating that it was copied for Robert Yule, whom they would produce when found. . . , . Defendant, pleaded not guilty, and reserved his defence. .He was cornnutted, f r trial at th.e Supreme Court at Hamilton on February 24th. Bail was granted.