YOUNG MAN’S ARREST.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1922, Page 4

YOUNG MAN’S ARREST.

ALLEGED FALSE DOCUMENT. LARGE SUM INVOLVED. Whilst leaving a New Plymouth bank yesterday, a man named Thomas Wells, aged about 33, was arrested by DetectiveSergeant J. Cooney, on a charge of making a false document involving a large sum of money. Accused is charged that, on or about December 19, 1922, at Wellington, he did make a false document, to wit, a cheque drawn on the Bank of New Zealand, Northend, Wellington, for £651 12s, in favor of Thomas Wells, purporting to be signed by G. T. Bleson, with intent to defraud the New Zealand Government.” there are several other charges pending in connection with which it is alleged large amounts are involved.

The accused will appear in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, when it is understood the police will ask for a remand till January 18.

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. VISITS TO MANY BANKS. EVIDENCE OF BOLD SCHEME. By Telegraoh.—Press Association. W T anganui, Last ‘Night. In connection with the arrest of a man at New Plymouth on a charge of making a false document, the Wanganui Chronicle learna that, it is alleged, the accused visited thirteen banka between Marton and New Plymouth during the past week or so and opened accounts in names. ilt is alleged he stated he was the owner of a farm and had recently come to the district.

On Wednesday night each of the thirteen banks received in an official envelope an official cheque for about £650, purporting to 'be signed by the imprestee of the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Department in favor of the accused. Becoming suspicious the banks had communicated with each other and the police were put on the track. Had the scheme succeeded the banks would have lost £BOOO. The cheques are alleged to have been taken from a cheque book stolen some time ago.