AN AMAZING PLOT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 226, 15 June 1915, Page 2

AN AMAZING PLOT.

ALLEGED FORGED WILL AND CONSPIRACY TO MURDER. Charged on remand with the attempted forgery of a will purporting- to be that of a Cambridge undertaker named Ellis Merry, a young man of 2S, Clifton O. Stiles, tailor, was committed for trial from Cambridge Police Court. According to the statement of Mr A. J, Lyon prosecuting, and evidence of witnesses, Merry offered to sell his business to Stiles for £4,500. Stiles asked for this offer in writing to be signed by Merry and witnessed by Mrs Merry and Miss Holland, Merry’s clerk. This was done, and Stiles obtained the signatures of Mr Merry, his wife, and the clerk. A few days later Stiles delivered a sealed packet to be placed in Mr Merry’s safe. This packet was afterwards found to contain an alleged forged will. If Mr Merry had died, Stiles would .have become his heir, practically everything being left to him, ‘‘because,” said the will, ‘‘he saved me from a bucket shop swindle,” .Mrs Merry and Miss Holland denied that the signatures on the will were theirs, though very good imitations. A dramatic moment came when Miss Constance Gentle entered the witness box. In a distressed condition she said that she had corresponded with the accused and recognised handwriting in -.ho will as being in one of his styles, though not his usual writing. On the appearance of Miss Gentle thg prisoner bowed his head.

The witness said she had also known r 3tiles to carry a revolver, and evidence ; was given of his taking out a gun li- ■ cense, and sending to a gunsmith for ' revolver cartridges. A mysterious Visit into the country ■o see a lady who was going to lend 63,000 was described by other witness- , rs, and it was said that on the outi vard journey accused wrapped a rug -cund his face so that he could not do so when returning. It was suggested by the prosecution that as the car conveying Mr and Mrs .Merry and Miss. Holland went along a lonely lane Stiles intended to shoot all three. ', ’ : After Merry had become suspicious of the negotiations and the alleged , forged will had been found, Stiles, late onh night, rang Merry up on the telephone. Merry said, "Why did you pick me out in preference to anyone else for this job?” Stiles, it was alleged, re- ■ )li:nl “You are not the only one,” add■p,g. “You know when I took you round hat lane?” Merry replied, “Yes, I do.” 1 tiles said. “I am sorry; I have been v fool for other people.” Merry’s comment was.“ Then you are alone?” to which Stiles answered 'There should have been a party from ".on-' 1 .-•<), but tbev did not turn up. M" jon’t worth sixpence now.” “What’s min.-v worth?” s«id Merry “Ch you are all right now,”