MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1597, 21 June 1887, Page 3

MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

The following is taken from the Wairarapa Star of the 13th inst ;—“ A new arrival in Masterton named Richard Smith has been the victim of a disagreeable adventure which has its amusing as well as serious side. He was arrested by Sergt. Price on Saturday night on suspicion of being one John Todd, from Gore, Otago, against whom a warrant had been issued for the larceny of horses and implements. Smith corresponded with the description furnished of Todd, hence the arrest. It appears that he hailed from Temuka, South Canterbury, and he had only been married on Tuesday last. Although torn from the embraces of bis young wife he took the matter very coolly, and seemed absolutely tickled at the idea of being arrested for an offence of which he Lad nut the remotest suspicion. All day on Sunday he was interviewed at the lock-up by sorrowing relatives. This (Monday) morning he appeared before Mr Von Sturmer, R.M., and was remanded till 2 p.m. An hoar later Sergt. Price appeared with a telegram, which was no sooner perused by the Bench than the accused was discharged, the Magistrate stating that be deeply regretted the ordeal to which the accused had been subjected, but that the police bad only done their duty, although it now appeared that (here was not the slightest suspicion of crime against the accused. It appears that this morning the police

having telegraphed for a fuller description of Todd ascertained that be is dean shaved, and a .Scotchman, whereas Smith haa large whiskers and is an Englishman. ’