SURETY REFUSED

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1932, Page 8

SURETY REFUSED

moneylender UNSATISFACTORY

AUCKLAND, September 22.

: There was a sensation in the Police Court this afternoon' when the Magistrate, (Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M.)), at the conclusion of the case. in which Ernest Cheadle was charged with perjury, refused to accept the £SOO surety of a well-known city moneylender. Cheadle pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. He was previously on bail’ of -£2OO, but at the request of the police the Magistrate increased .the sum to £SOO and directed that Cheadle report himself daily to the city police. When counsel for Cheadle introduced the surety 'to the-police, Detective-Ser-geant M’Hugh asked that he be placed in the witness box. to be examined . m the usual way. The man did so and was asked whether he was worth £SOO. “Yes, I am,” he replied. , "What are you?” asked the Magistrate.

"I am a financial agent,” said witness.

Do you know Cheadle?—No, sir. , The Magistrate: Well, .it’s not good enough. You don’t even know the man. You'.are only going .bail for him for a consideration. You are a money tcndei. This savours too much of the American style'-of doing things. No. I won’t accept you as a surety. Cheadle was returned to the prisoners’ room.