"IMAGINATION"

NZ Truth, Issue 1192, 4 October 1928, Page 3

"IMAGINATION"

Paper Sleuths Trail Batchelor .(From "N.Z. Truth's" Christohuroh Rep.) Another three weeks have passed' and there is still no trace of John Black Batchelor, the young Christohuroh solicitor, though the Christchurch "Sun" would have its readers believe that the absconder has been located m Australia. THB Commonwealth is the likely place that Batchelor would make his first hop for, and it is a simple matter for a newspaper to hazard a guess that Australia is Batchelor's new home: But the "Sun" went so far as to say that the police were able to lay their hands on Batchelor at any time, but were waiting the decision of the creditors to apply for his extradition. This is certainly information to official quarters m Christchurch, for up to the beginning of this week nothing had been heard by the police of Batchelor or his whereabouts. Inspector Cameron described the "Sun's" announcement as imagination. What is more, the police hold a warrant for his apprehension for theft, and once they get on his tricks they will nqt wait for any mandates from Batchelor's creditors. They will immediately proceed to bring him back to face the charge. Viewed from a common-sense angle, it seems hardly likely that either the police or the creditors will ponder very long over the expenditure of £40 or so to bring to book a man wanted to answer a charge m which it is alleged over £5000 is involved. And if^any of the creditors have any idea where Batchelor is hiding, their duty is to hand It on to' the police Instead of pouring the hot oil Into the "Sun's" ear. Up till the beginning of this week, Batchelor was still at- large and the police have no idea where he is. Nor has the "Sun." _. _ . ■