AUCTIONEER IN TROUBLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2713, 27 March 1924, Page 3

AUCTIONEER IN TROUBLE.

FRUIT SALES UNACCOUNTED FOR. That between May 1 and December 31, 1923 he did fraudulently convert to his own use the sum of £ls, the balance of proceeds of a fruit sale, was the charge preferred against Henry Augustus Scott, at. the Palmerston N. Police Court on Tuesday. Accused was unrepresented by counsel, Detective-Sergeant Quirke appearing for the police. H. G. Apsey, of Hastings, deposed to having sent a quantity of fruit to accused at Shannon for disposal. Witness had advised accused tha t the saleable value of the consignment had not been remitted, and although accused had promised to have his accounts straightened out. and a statement forwarded, no money had been forthcoming. Accused said that owing to illness he had been unable to give his accounts proper attention.

Evidence relating to issue of license to accused, which expired on December 31, 1923, was heard from John I’. Boris, town clerk, of Shannon.

Detective Russell deposed to having interviewed accused over the matter when accused admitted having received the fruit, but had stated that, a good deal of it had to he thrown out owing to its going bad. Accused said he had received £ls for the fruit, the value of which Mr Apsey had estimated exorbitantly. Accused admitted that he had no trust account, only his current account, not knowing that he had to keep the former. Accused had rendered every assistance in the enquiry and had been quite frank in his statement.

Accused who pleaded guilty, was committed to the Supreme Court at Wellington for sentence, bail being allowed in self £SO and one surety of £SO.