YOUNG SWISS ON TRIAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 501, 2 November 1928, Page 13

YOUNG SWISS ON TRIAL

FRAUD CHARGE LAID EXTRADITED FROM SYDNEY A novel advertising scheme known as "Advertime” was responsible for the appearance in the Supreme Court this morning of a young Swiss, Maurice Emile Gander, on charges of false pretences. Prisoner was arrested in Sydney and extradited to Auckland. It was alleged-that between June 26 and July 5 last accused obtained £lO from John Edward Hutchinson by falsely representing he was the owner of the “Advertime Clock” system, that by similar representation he obtained £167 from Elizabeth Ann Dawson, and that he stole a typewriter, a motor-car indicator and a directory, valued at £24 ss. Prisoner was defended by Mr. Northcroft and Mr. Vialoux. For the Crown, Mr. V. N. Hubble said accused sold the clock system on a deposit of £lO to Hutchinson and later disposed of his entire business and the advertising part of it to Miss Dawson, an act he was not entitled to do. Counsel suggested Gander’s conduct in regard to the transaction was very misleading. Miss Dawson, by agreement, understood she was to have accused’s office furniture, but this was found to be missing after Gander had departed for Switzerland. It was not suggested accused was clearing out, because it was known he intended to return to his native country.

Te Kataalii Kawera Thompson, salesman, gave evidence that. Ti e acquainted accused of the advertising scheme, which was his own invention, Witness agreed to canvass on accused paying him a salary. On June 5, 1928, witness patented the idea, accused paying the registration fees. Accused had no other interest in the scheme. J. E. Hutchinson deposed that accused informed him he wished to sell his interest in the advertising scheme. A deal was effectel for the purchase of 20 cabinets and accessories for £75. It was arranged that £lO was to be .paid as deposit and more as the cabinets were received. < Cross-examined by Mr. Northcroft, witness admitted the transaction was in effect a sale of goods. Witness, however, understood he was to purchase the patented idea along with them. He thought the price of the system was included in that of the goods. (Proceeding)