FORGERY.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 71, 19 December 1911, Page 3

FORGERY.

WELL KNOWN RESIDENT ARRESTED.

Considerable excitement prevailed at Kihikihi on Thursday , when ' it became known that the police were wanting Mr W.Hunie janes, who has resided in that township for a little over twelve months. Enquiries showed that he had left Kihikihi that day without giving any intention of his movements. A search was made throughout the district, and on Saturday evening Jones was discovered at Te Kopua by Constable Ryan, where lie was immediately arrested and brought into Kihikihi. When fording the Puniu River near Mr'Tanner's farm the constable, who was riding ahead and leading Jones' horse noticed, v/hen aboui halfway across, that he had slipped from his saddle mid disappeared in Hie river. Constable Ryan immediately jumped into the river, and after a short struggle managed to bring Jonas to the surface. Being a good swimmer he had little difficulty in 'dragging him to the river-bank. By this time Jones was exhausted, necessitating a 'i'cw minutes rest after which the journey was continued. and Kihikihi was reached without further adventure. Early Sunday morning Constable Lander proceeded to Kihikihi and brought Jones into Te Awamiitu.where he remainad until yesterday morning, v/hen he was conveyed to Hamilton. He then appeared before F. O'B. Loughnan, Esq.,

S.M., charged under the name of Granville Hani, with forging the

signature of W. li. Nash to a promissory note for £42 Bs, and debiting the same to Wright, Stevenson and Co., of Wellington. The alleged offence was committed at Wellington on July 29th, 1910', the accused then being an indent agent trading under the name of Granville Hunt. He was remanded to appear at Wellington orf Thursday next, 2ist inst., to which city he was escorted by the Main Trunk express last night. As far as is known, Mr W. Hume Jones first made his appearance in this district about eighteen months ago. For the first few months he lived at Pokuru, but then moved to Kihikihi where he has resided ever since. lie was well known throughout the district and was very popular. He closely identified himself with all clubs and nstitutions of Kihikihi, being one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Kihikihi Literary and Debating Society. In hockey, cricket and other eiubs he took a leading part. In social ;unctions he was equally popular, being interested 111 the promotion of concerts and other entertainments. He frequently appeared on the platform at concerts being always most willing to assist, and even °n the evening immediately preceding his disappearance he contributed to the programme of a Te Awamutu entertainment.