“ARE YOU A MASON?"

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2288, 11 June 1921, Page 4

“ARE YOU A MASON?"

A NEW CONFIDENCE TRICK

WORKED IN AUCKLAND,

An unusual style ol' confidence trick was played yvifli success in Auckland in April by a new arrival from Sydney, who obtained about £3O in cash as well as a gold watch and chain valued at £25, and a £27 diamond ring’. The trickster, Harold Bruce AnderSon (37) was arrested in Wellington six weeks after he got these things, and was then wearing the gold watch. He come before Mr J. W/Poynlon, S.M., on day, charged with having obtained the .cash and goods by false pretences. The story told in the evidence was that Anderson arrived from Sydney by the s.s. Kiverina on April 18th, and put up at the Central Hotel. The same day he went to David Silk’s jewellery shop, said he was James Walker, of Herne Bay, and was commissioned to select a gold watch, chain, sovereign case, and .Masonic emblem, which were to he presented by Hie Pukekohe .Masonic Lodge to a brother who had just returned from the war. He selected the goods, left an inscription to be engraved on them to the effect that they were a present) to “Bro. A. Anderson,” and left word jliat Master of the Lodge, Mr James Henderson, would ring up later and guarantee the transaction on behalf of the Lodge.' A ring came on the ’phone about half-an-hour later, and a man purporting to he James Henderson. builder, of Bemuera, mentioned the gold watch, and said it would be all right. Subsequently accused balled and got the goods. The same day he called at the Bank of Xew Zealand, and showed one oil

the officials a cheque for £67 3s 7d on an Australian branch of the National Bank. He managed to convince the official that the cheque was probably all right, and got an advance on it of £lO, pending further enquiries. He then paid ft visit to James Paseoe’s jewellery shop, selected an engagement ring, valued at £27 10s, and paid for it with a valueless cheque for £SO, which was cashed. He was then lost sight of till found in 'Wellington six weeks later. In the meantime the young woman whose name had been mentioned in the course of the purchase of the ring was seen, and when she became aware of the circumstances she returned the ring. Accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to the.Supreine Court for. trial.