THE JOHNSTON CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 116, 17 May 1901, Page 8

THE JOHNSTON CASE.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE FIVE.)

After the luncheon' adjournment, evidence was given by Edgar Ward, secretary to the Kauri Timber Company, lie produced a cheque dated March 21, 1900, for £750. It was drawn on the company's account, and cashed on the 22ud of the same month. Witness was in charge of the company's books and papers in Auckland, In accordance with the voucher (produced) that amount was debited to the account of Messrs. F. & W. G. Foote. From that time up to the present the amount was st ill to the debit of Foote's account, the credit of yesterday's payment not having yet been entered in the books. The company had a voucher book (produced). The torn cheque, (produced) was initialled on the back by the auditors, it having been kept in the 'voucher book. Until a short, time prior 10 these proceedings witness had no knowledge of that receipt having been abstracted from the voucher book. Witness knew nothing prior to these proceedings about the tear-ing-up transaction between Mr. Johnston and Messrs. Foote. It was neither with his knowledge, consent or approval that the receipt was taken from the book and torn up. When these proceedings were instituted it was thought that this receipt was absolutely destroyed. In looking through Mr. Johns-ton's papers at the Kauri Timber Company's office the torn pieces of the voucher were found in a brown-paper parcel. The witness stated that the accused's letter of credit for £200 which he took with him to Sydney had since been returned to the Company unoperated on in any way. It was admitted that the cheque had been paid into the account of the accused by him or on his behalf. Detective. Mellvcney gave evidence as to the arrest of accused. Johnston reserved his defence and was committeed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court.