BLAMED THE SLUMP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 30, 6 February 1928, Page 5

BLAMED THE SLUMP.

DEFAULTING SECRETARY'S PLEA.

JOCKEY CLUB ROBBED. REFORMATIVE DETENTION IMPOSED. A plea for probation on behalf of Leonard Christian Harton, formerly secretary to the Te Ruiti Racing Club, who appeared at the Supreme Court todav for sentence on charges of theft was unavailing. Prisoner had pleaded guilty to misappropriating the club's funds to the extent of £232 19/6.

Mr. Finlay said he was aware that it was contrary to the principles of the Court to grant probation in cases where a position of trust had been abused, but he submitted that there were extenuating circumstances in regard to prisoner. His Honor: What was his salary? Mr. Finlay: About £50 a year, I think.

Counsel said accused was attracted to Te Kuiti at a time when a spirit of great vitality and progress was in evidence This was in 1910 or 1911. Accused was an accountant and he did well at first, but when the slump came he found himself in serious financial difficulties and his health broke down. Drink Was partly the cause of his downfall. Pointing out that the defalcations had extended over a period of two years, Mr. Justice Reed said it was not a case ill which probation could be granted. In addition to the thefts from the Jockey Club, there were misappropriations of rent which prisoner had collected amounting to £96 7/6.

Sentence of two years' reformative detention was passed.