FORGERY AND UTTERING.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1921, Page 5

FORGERY AND UTTERING.

CHARGES AGAINST YOUTH. COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE.' A youth named William Arthur Edward Atkinsofi appeared at the Hawera Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on the charges of forgery and uttering. Wm. John Atkinson, farmer, residing at Auroa Road, stated that the accused was his son, and would be 17 years of age on the 28th of next month. The cheques produced were from his cheque book, the numbers on the cheques corresponding with those on the butt of the book. His son left his place on January 7 last, and from information received witness knew that cheques taken from his cheque book had been passed. From the 7th till the hearing of the charges he has not seen accused. The three cheques produced, signed by Atkinson, had not been signed by witness, thoug’E the signature was like his. Witness had an account in the Rank of Australasia, Manaia. The signatures on the cheques were forgeries, and the writing was his son’s. The had no authority to sign the name of witness to the cheques. By Mr. O’Dea (Tor accused): The boy had been well behaved till lately. He could not understand the boy’s recent actions, and' only attribute them

to vicious literature, such as “Deadwood Dick,” “Nat Gould,” and —Buffalo Bill.” There had never been any complaint about his son’s honesty before. William Candy, farmer, residing near Geo, stated that the accused was his nephew. Witness had an account at the Bank of Australasia. Manaia. The two signatures on the two cheques produced were not witness’. Accused had no authority to sign the name of witness, and had never been in hi® employ. Evidence wa« given of purchases from a chemist, a jeweller, two clothiers, and a bicycle dealer, which showed that at each place accused presented •> the sums ranging from £lO tu l?‘>. and accused received various articles and change at each shop. Constable Andrews isaid acciv* d .nude a statement, in which he adnuttv*. ing about, six blank cheque- n father’s cheque book, fillinurtbeui a._ presenting them to diff&Qrxt Hawera. He admitted orreries, and stated that he intended UhyKfr r». police every assistance. A plea of guilty wae entered, and t). • accused was committed for senteix*! l .• z the next sitting of the Supx'ni? Court at New Rlymotrth, bail being fixed ar. ’ two sureties of £5O and thn a-- * auia.4