A VERBAL PARTNERSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 163, 12 July 1928, Page 8

A VERBAL PARTNERSHIP.

ALLEGED THEFT OF £280.

ADMITTED BY ACCUSED.

COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE

The story of a partnership which was not a success was unfolded at the Police Court this morning, when William Frcney Keenan (20) appeared on a charge of stealing, on divers dates between March and June last, various sums of money, totalling £280 belonging to William Castles. Keenan was further charged with the theft of a pair of binoculars, valued at £5 10/, the property of John Edward Hutchinson.

g, n -- tweeii March and June last, various sums of money, totalling £280 belonging to William Castles. Keenan was further charged with the theft of a pair of binoculars, valued at £5 10/, the property of John Edward Hutchinson. Chief Detective Hammond prosecuted while Mr. Selwyn Clarke appeared for accused. William Castles, a linotyper, carrying on business at 14, Upper Vincent StreeL, said he lirst became acquainted with accused in February last, when Keenan was inquiring for the whereabouts of a friend. Business matters were discussel, and both verbally agreed to form a partnership for the purchase and disposal of fancy goods. Witness agreed to finance the business, the goods to be bought by accused and sold direct from the warehouse to the purchasers. Accused was to keep records of the transactions, it being arranged that witness and accused should occasionally go through them and balance tip. Various sums of money were advanced by witness. Atfnised did not bring the books to witness. He made various excuses for not doing so. The transactions continued between March and July. Later witness ascertained that tho goods had not been purchased as agreed, and informed the police. Altogether Keenan had been given various sums of money by cheque totalling £2SO. Accuscd admitted that he bought no goods, but converted the money to his own use. Respecting the binoculars, Detective Sergeant Bickerdike, who arrested accused, said that Keenan admitted receiving the glasses from an importing firm on approval. These he pawned and converted the money to his own use.

Chief Detective Hammond prosecuted wliilo Mr. Selwyn Clarke appeared for accused.

fn a statement accused admitted that lie had converted the money to his own use, and some of it was paid on a motor car. He had sincc returned £70 to Mr Castles. The money had been spent on (ho upkeep of the car, genera} repairs, living, and doctor's expenses. Keenan, who pleaded guilty, was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.