POSED AS WRESTLER

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19904, 5 June 1936, Page 8

POSED AS WRESTLER

STRAXCE COURT STORY. MODEL AIROPLANI LEN'I'. - CHARGE OF‘ THEFT FOLLOWS. (By Telegraph—Press Associatlon.) ‘ PALMERSTON NORTH‘ Thursday. ‘ Allegations lliat aim-used had repi‘c-l scnleil himself as an American \\'resl—l lcr. cousin of Colonel Roscoe Turner. famous American aviator, were made when Charles Uwcns {35), an American mechanic, appeared in the Magistrate's Court io-day rliargerl wilh stealing a model aeroplane valued at 5331), the properly or Mrs Mct‘zregol‘. widow of Squadron—Leader .\I. C. .\lcGregor. Mrs Bit-Gregor gave evidence that the accused called at her house and asked if she had received his telegram. Getting a negative answer, he introduced himself as John Owens, saying he was an American wrestler, cousin of Colonel Roscoe Turner. and was rB- - the American Wrestling As—sociatiOn. He said he intended to Stage a. wrestling bout for the joint benefit, of Mrs McGregor and Mrs Fraser, widow of the parachulist.

“Scotty” Fraser. He also said he was Dr. Owens. from the Knickerbocker Hospital in America. Witness referred accused to the New Zealand Aero Club but he said he could not do business with them as it would break his contract. At the accused's request she gave him written authority to/puy half the proceeds to Mrs Fraser. Copy of Photograph. Accused saw a photograph of Squad-ron-Leader McGregor and asked for' it. saying he would like to show it to Col—onel Roscoe Turner. Witness refused but, told him to call back later for a copy. This the accused did. stating he had made arrangements to have an enlargement taken, so he was allowed to take the photograph. Accused saw a model aeroplane in the house and after a great deal of persuasion witness permitted him to take it as a background for the enlargement on the definite understanding that he would return the model in hall’-an~hour. \\'itness did not see the accused Again. lienry Campbell \Valker, who was .\x’r McGregor‘s companion in the Gentenary Air Race, gave evidence that in consequence of what Mrs )IcGregor told him he made inquiries and eventually located the accused and got back the model. He reported the matter to the police. A constable gave evidence that the accused made a statement that he had been drinking and did not know what, happened. He had no intention of stealing; the model. He pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial.