MISSED THE MAIL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 755, 30 August 1929, Page 18

MISSED THE MAIL

MONEY FOR “DOUBLE” MAN FOUND NOT GUILTY (From Our Own Correspondent) HAMILTON, Thursday. A companion of the man Corin, who was fined £lO by Mr. Justice Ostler for drawing up a false document, Walter Leslie Cusack, 26, appeared before the Judge on a charge of signing the document without authority. The Crown solicitor, Mr. H. T. Gillies, stated that while accused did not actually sign or write the letter, he was a party to writing it. Mr. Gillies said accused sent some money to an Auckland bookmaker for a “double” at the Easter meeting. The letter containing the money missed the mail, and a further letter, signed “P. M. Tokirima,” was sent to the bookmaker. The alleged offence referred to the signing of this letter. Evidence was given by the postmaster at Tokirima that no one had authority to sign the letter produced. AGENT DEALS IN POTATOES Harry Clifton Sailery, agent, Auckland, said he carried on business under the name of J. Frost. He received a letter signed “P. M. Tokirima.” Pie knew Cusack by correspondence, and had done business with him, as counsel suggested, “buying and selling potatoes.” (Laughter.) To. Mr. King: Cusack could have telegraphed the commission. Mr. King: What is necessary to complete a bet? Witness, to his Honour: He is talking about bets. Must I answer that question? His Honour: It Is illegal to bet. Yes, you must answer the question. You are not running any risk. (Laughter.) Witness: An acknowledgment in black and white that the money had been received. Detective Nalder said accused had told him that his mate, Corin, was with him when he registered the letter, but that Corin had no share in the bet, as the money was all his. Cusack told witness he know nothing about the alleged forged document. COMPANION’S STORY Clifford Ernest Corin said he and Cusack took a “double” on two horses taking part in the Auckland Easter races. Cusack wrote a letter to J. Frost, asking him to put 30s on Clockwork and Bright Glow. When it was discovered that the mail had gone, Cusack suggested that they should let Frost know that the money had been posted. Witness wrote the letter in question at Cusack’s dictation. Witness admitted that he wrote the letter, and had been fined for the offence. Accused was found not guilty and was discharged.