R. M. COURT, GISBORNE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 135, 19 May 1884, Page 2

R. M. COURT, GISBORNE.

(Before J. Booth, Esq., R.M.) THIS DAY. forgery. Epiha Parau. who was remanded on the 10th until to-day for the above offence, was again brought up this morning. Mr. Rees defended. John McCauley stated he was a barman in the employ of Mr. Dickson. Knew the accused. On the 3rd saw him at the hotel. Accused asked for a cheque on the Bank of New Zealand. Gave him a blank one. Another native was with him.

Niri Ruru remembered the 3rd inst., when he saw accused with a blank cheque on the Bank of New Zealand. Accused said he would shout, though he had no money. Wanted to feel his pockets, and did so. Found nothing there but the cheque, which was blank. Did not see the cheque afterwards. [A letter was here produced by the witness from the accused, who advised him how to give his evidence with regard to the cheques, telling him to say in the witness-box that he (accused) had given the blank cheque to Weston.] Saw another cheque with accused, which was written on for £l. Accused shouted and paid for the drinks with the second cheque alluded to. Did not see accused give the blank cheque to Weston. The cheque for £1 was signed by James Fitzgerald.. W. Weston proved that he had not received any cheques from the accused. R. Sheratt saw the cheque produced for £2, Did not sign it, though it bore his name. Was positive he did not sign it.

Wi Potae deposed as to cashing the cheque for £2, signed by R. Sherratt. Accused said it was signed by Sherratt. Gave the cheque to Pitt’s salesman for the payment of clothes. Hr. Pitt said it was no good on the following Monday morning.

C. D. Pitt deposed to having presented the cheque at the bank which they would not cash, and it was returned marked N.P.F. Accused offered to pay the amount of the cheque if it would be returned. Went to the bank with him. He told the manager that he had received it from Hone Matiaha, who:9 name was on the body of the cheque* After further questioning he admitted getting a blank cheque from Dickson’s. E. F. J. S. Sage remembered the 6th of this month. Major Pitt presented a cheque on that day. Cheque produced was the one presented. Marked it “no account.” Hone Matiaha did not know the cheque produced. Accused did not give a cheque to him on the sth.

Thos. Usher stated he was salesman at Graham Pitt & Bennett’s. On the 6th accused purchased goods from him to the amount of 365. He gave a cheque for £2 in payment, signed by R. Sheratt. The cheque produced was the one paid. Sergeant Bullen deposed as to arresting accused.

This was the case for the prosecution. The accused said he had nothing to say in answer to the charge. His Worship therefore committed the prisoner to take his trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court at Gisborne. Bail would be allowed, £2OO in his own recognizances and two sureties of £lOO each, the parties being Europeans.