THE “CONFIDENCE TRICK”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8347, 6 February 1913, Page 11

THE “CONFIDENCE TRICK”

TWO MEN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY. COMMITTED TO SUPREME COURT FOR TRIAL. An allegation of the “confidence trick” having been played on a kindlydisposed individual was investigated oy Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, in a case in which Allan Moody and .Harold Bronson, two young men, were charged with conspiring to defraud George Carson of £4. Chief-Detective Broberg conducted the case for the police, and Mr H. F. o’Lea.ry appeared for the accused. HOW THEY MET. The story of Carson, who is a gardener residing at Auckland, was to the eifect that on Monday, January 27th, about half-past three m the afternoon, he was standing on the deck of the Mokoia waiting for her to sail for Auckland. He was accosted by Moody, who asked him if he were in charge of some sheep alongside which he (Carson) was standing. On replying that ho was not, Moody said he was a passenger for Auckland. Bronson then came along and said he also was bound for the same place. The accused asked Carson his name, and it was given. “You are not long from the Old Country,” remarked Bronson. “No,” replied Carson, “only about four and a half years.” Accompanying the accused, and walking between them, he went off the steamer, and walked along the wharf. Brqnson indicated some luggage, and said it belonged to him. They left the wharf, and at Moody’s suggestion bad drinks at the Pier Hotel. Then they proceeded to the Empire Hotel, where Bronson said he wanted to get some luggage,' which consisted of two boxes. He desired to get a couple of greyhounds as well. At Bronson’s request Carson remained outside while the former went in. About five minutes later Bronson came out and said he could not get his luggage, and would have to go down to the Mokoia to get somo money. Moody remarked that perhaps Carson could assist Bronson. Moody took some money from his pockets. “I haven’t much money with me and I haven’t any to give away,” Carson said. However, in order to oblige Bronson he gave him £4, which was all the money he had. Telling Carson to remain outside, and asking Moody to purchase a duty stamp, Bronson went back into the hotel. Moody went to a shop a few doors away, but returned, saying that he could not get a stamp. He then entered a bar of the hotel to see if he could procure one there. Carson never saw either of the accused again. Andrew Nielson, a private racecourse detective, testified to following both the accused, whom he knew, on to the wharf on January 27th. He saw them going off the wharf with Carson. Bron son dropped a purse and then drew Carson’s attention to it. Carson afterwards told witness of what had happened to his money. In the evening witness saw Bronson in the city. As soon as accused noticed him he rushed down a side street and pulled his collai and tie off. Mr O’Leary; This was a little privatespying you did on your own?—Oh, no. I am supposed to follow these people. I was curious to follow them. I have i prettv good idea of their character. Chief-Detective Broberg: Why did vou follow them?—l accused Bronson of putting his hand in a man’s pocket at the circus one night. “LET ME GO, MR ANDREWS.” Detective Andrews deposed to knowing both of the accused. Shortly before 9 p.m, on January 27th. Detectives Rawle, Lewis, and himself arrested

both of them at the Thorndon railway station, when they were leaving for Auckland by train. Before being charged, Moody said;’ “Let me -goj -Mr Andrews, and I’ll go back to where I came from; I’ll go back to Sydney.” Moody remarked, “This is no good to me. I’ll go back to Sydney. When charged, Moody said, “I know nothing about it,” and Bronson declared, “conspiring to defraud. I don’t know what that means.” The trick played on Carson was known as “the confidence trick.’,’ Dropping the purse was done to inspire confidence.

Accused pleaded not guilty, and were committed to the Supreme Court for trial, bail being allowed as before, self in the sum of £SO and two sureties of £SO each.