ASTONISHING FRAUDS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1931, Page 6

ASTONISHING FRAUDS

FAR A! HAND’S CRIME. AUCKLAND,. June 17. 'The short but astonishing career of fraud by a young farm hand was revealed at the Police Court yesterday afternoon, when Mervyn David Rowe, aged 23, appeared before two justices on 44 charges, involving forgery and false pretences. Rowe arrived in Auckland about the middle of April, and all the offences were committed between that time and June 1, when he was arrested bv Constable Ross in Newton.

Detective-Serge.mt Kelly prosecuted, and Air K. C. Aekins appeared for accused.

Remarkable stories were told by the witnesses, who followed each other in quick succession to reveal Rowe’s methods. Altogether accused ordered goods the value of which runs into hundreds of pounds, to be sent to farmers in the country. Usually a valueless cheque for a greater sum that the value of the goods would he handed in as payment, and Rowe would receive the change in cash. In many cases the goods were actually forwarded to farmers. Accused had no bank account. In several instances he obtained blank cheque forms from the persons who sold him expensive articles so easily.

Altogether accused received in cash the sum of £57 as the result of his false pretences. The following are some of the goods which he bought by valueless cheque and ordered to be sent to the country : AVreaths, a milking machine farm implements, radio sets, fencing posts, bedroom suites, electric ranges, manure, motor cars, paint, one ton ot chaff.' bath, sink and taps, drain tiles timber and fencing niaterial. Detective-Sergeant M. O’Sullivan sa:d accused made a statement admitt ng all the offences. ;He had given the police every assistance. Accused did not appear to be strong mentally.

Rowe pleaded guilty to 22 charges of forging cheques and 22 charges oi uttering ‘.the worthless documents, and was committed to the Supreme pourt f<»’ sentence-