MISSING MONEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 32, 8 February 1928, Page 10

MISSING MONEY.

FULL AMOUNT RETURNED. BUT NOT THE SAME NOTES. MAN OPINED FOR THEFT. (By. Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) . ' . WAIHI, this day. Selwyn Moananui Hovell was convicted to-day of tlie theft of £15, tho property of Alfonso Cook, a busliman. Sergeant Calwcll told Mr. F. W. Platts, S.M., that there were unusual circumstances in the case. Cook landed thp. money to a woman friend to keep for him, Hovell being present. The money was missed next morning.

Cook, giving evidence, said thai when Me discussed the matter with. Hovcll lie remarked that lie would not lower himself by taking £15. If it had been £100 or more it would liave teen "worth a man's while." Later'Hovcll informed him that the woman had found the missing money, and subsequently she returned it to witness, who discovered that the- notes were not those which had been missing. Hovell had returned £15 to witness an doffered to pay him a further £15 if the matter were dropped. Mr. Clarke, for the defence, called no evidence, but addressed tho court at length. Ho submitted that there was nothing conclusive to show that accused stole the money. The magistrate said the inference from the evidence was that accused stole the money. Sergeant Calwell, In answer to the magistrate, said ho was unable to recommend probation. Accused was a returned soldier and had a wife and eight children. ■' .'■■ > .'.. ■ Tho magistrate said lie would' take into consideration accused's position. He hesitated to send him to gaol, but -would lino him £10, in default one. month's jiuprisoniuent. .Ho was allowed. days to pay. .■.,...! ■.■•• .... . ....:■. •.:.. i'.