A SHAM DETECTIVE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 6, 7 June 1913, Page 5

A SHAM DETECTIVE.

DANNEVTRKE YOUTH'S EXPLOIT. Per Tress Association. Danncvirke, Last Night The alleged bogus detective case was * before Mr. S. E. McCarthy, S.M., to-day, wherein Ernest Roland Birdling, who styled himself "Detective Rainey," was. charged with obtaining credit for £B, the hire of a motor ear, by false pretences. Accused pleaded not guilty. Evidence showed that accused represented himself as a detective who was tracking: three men who were alleged to have obtained jewellery on approbation from Stewart Dawson, Christchurch, for ladies' wear at the military ball. Therethey failed to return the valuables, and were supposed to have made their way to the coast districts. Accused hired the motor car to go after them, but failed to pay for the same. Accused purchased a revolver, stating that he was going to make an arrest, and re- > marking "you know what-these bush.-' fellows are, they ore 'pretty rough.*"* Next morning the revolver was returned to the shop where it was obtained. Ac-. ' cused," when arrested, attributed hjs ex-' ploit to a spirit of adventure. Counsel for accused said that he belonged, to, a very respectable family, and had good prospects. Hq was only 21 years old.' > There was something wanting in hie mental condition, and nothing was known against him. The whole matter' was too trifling id commit him for triaL' The Bench: It is-not trifling. I have no option but to commit him for trial. Accused reserved his defence, and waa committed for trial, bail being allowed ' on his own recognisance of £SO.