NOT A SHERLOCK HOLMES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 16, 24 May 1913, Page 5

NOT A SHERLOCK HOLMES.

SHAM DETECTIVE ARRESTED. [Per Press Association.] Dannevirke, May 23. • A story possessing unique features became known to-day, when j named Ernest Roland Birdling was arrested here. Birdling Dannevirke to Christchurch* and alleged that he was a private, detective, getting cards printed with the inscription “Detective E. T.- •] Department, C., Christchurch,” He then went to a motor and engaged a car, alleging that he XvaS going to the coast after two jewel thieves. At Tiree point he was recognised as Birdling, having formerly worked in tho district. He denied his identity. Birding there, hired a norse to go to a back station, and was away some hours. On his way back to Danenvirke he told the chauffeur he had searched a hut at Akitio and had recovered tho jewellery alleged to have been stolen at Christchurch in March last. One of the occupants of the hut had, he said, been handed over at Pongaroa to tho police, and tho other had left for Wellington by the s.s. Ripple to-day. Birdling, who had previously purchased a revolver in town, went to purchase a loaded whip, and wanted “trade discount.” Later the police came to hear of the occurrence, and arrested Birdling in a hotel. Dannevirke, May 24.

At the Court to-day, Birdling was charged with vagrancy and imposition, whereby he obtained the use of a motor car by fraud. He was remanded for a week, bail being refused.