THE MAY HALLETT CASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9445, 15 May 1909, Page 5

THE MAY HALLETT CASE.

VERDICT (fe NOT GUILTY,

Per Press Association

Wellington, May 14,, The charge against Ethel May Hallett of obtaining £SO by means of false pretences from Walter Clifford, sheepfarmer, was heard by the SapremejOourt to-day. The facts of the case were given considerable publicity in March last, when accused who was going the name of Oatmpbell-Baunerman, and was on intimate terms with a number of prominent people, was arrested and committed for trial.

.Before the jury retired the prlosner made the following statement: — “After having in three places tried hard to earn an honest living, I arrived in Gbristchnrcb, where I first met Mr Clifford. He was introduced to me in Warner's Hotel. He seemed to like me, and we met subsequently, when he gave me £2O. He said he hoped I would see him if i came to Wellington; but lie asked me not to. say I had met him before. When I met him at his own house in Hobson street and was introduced to him again, I concealed the fact that'l had known him before. He called on me at the Grand Hotel. Before he left he told me he was going away for a few days, and if I was in want cf any money he would help me. I saw him on several occasions. He took me to the races and introduced me to many people on the course'. He j took me round the course, and I 1 lunched with him and others in the members’ luncheon rpoa. Wo wore/ snapshotted on the lawn together. On the Trentham railway station Mr Clifford introduced me to prominent racing officials as his foster daughter. We had a party of seven at dinner at the Grand Hotel that uight. I booked to Christchurch with Mrs Dennisfoa, and Mr Clifford stated that he would be down on the Thursday following. I was in need of money; fot with the entertainment to which I was treated and the rush of people to call on me, I had no decent frocks for the occasion. Remembering Mr Clifford’s promise, I ordered goods at the D. 1.0, and when they demanded the money from me I had to fail back on him for a loan. I went to his house for it, and was informed that he was at the Wellington club. I drove there with Mrs Denuiston and got a gentleman from Christchurch to bring Mr Clifford out to the haaoam. I showed him the D. 1.0. bill, and he said, placing his hand on my shoulder, “My little girl £SO or £IOO if yon wish it.” I thanked him and said 1 would be glad of £SO. He told me to drive to the Bank, and when he got the money'he gave it to me. I never obtained money through any j untrue statements, and Mr Clifford knows very well what I say is true. I wrota'telling him I would pay him tack as I have a large sum of money coming to me on June 2nd, when I will be 31 years old. This my advocate, Mr Wilford, can prove. I am prepared to give Mr Clifford an order for;his money, and I think, considering what he said to me he has been very unkind to me. People who are unknown to me went bail for me when I was committed for trial, and j had I felt I had done any wrong to Mr Clifford I would not have faced the trial, but I know, and he knows quite well, that he should not have had me arrested. I believe he is sorry for it now. I never called myself Miss him, as he now admits.” The jury, after deliberating for an hour, returned a verdict of not guilty. • v