ALLEGED THEFT OF NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2614, 2 August 1923, Page 1

ALLEGED THEFT OF NOTES.

100,000 FRANCS SAID TO BE MISSING. NO REPORT TO POLICE. It wji.s related to a “Now Zealand Times” reporter on Monday last: tliat the purchase of a hundred franc note on the Wellington waterfront recently had an unpleasant sequel for the unfortunate purchaser, who endeavoured to dispose of the note in Papeete. On presenting the note at the Bank (it was said) he was requested to wait a moment and he was then confronted by the manager, who explained that the note could not be cashed as it had not been signed by the bank by whom it was issued. The purchaser, who arrived in Wellington on Monday morning, stated to a “Times” reporter that lie was then interrogated bv the police authorities at Papeete, and after satisfying them of his bona tides was obliged to make a statement as to the purchase and details of the vendor. BOX OF NOTES SAID TO BE MISSING. It was stated that a box containing 100,000 franc notes of 100 franc denomination, was being consigned to a French bank in the islands, and (his box is alleged to have mysteriously disappeared in course of transit from Wellington to the Islands. The matter was referred to the Wellington police, who state that they have received no communication regarding the affair.

Notes of 100 franc denomination are difficult to negotiate, and particularly so in Wellington. They were, it is stated, being freely offered in Wellington at a sliding rate from 10s to £l, although their par value is about £5. It was stated that a number were purchased on the Ling Nam prior to her departure for Papeete. but the unfortunate purchasers are now bewailing their loss owing to the notes being valueless, not bearing the bank’s signature.