SOLICITOR AND CLERK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 118, 21 May 1931, Page 14

SOLICITOR AND CLERK.

ALLEGED THEFT OF £8191.

"THINGS IN A BIT OF A MESS." both plead not guilty. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. Harold Jolin Mpule Thomson, solicitor, of Inglewood, and his clerk, Samuel Robert Darlow, pleaded not guilty in the Police Court to-day to the charges of theft which were brought against them yesterday, and were committed to the Supreme Court at New Plymouth for trial. Bail was granted in £000 and two sxiretics of £250. There are 19 charges of theft of trust funds, and the totaf sum involved is £8191. Clinton H. Wynyard, public accountant, New Plymouth, stated that on February 6, under the authority of the Taranaki District Law Society, he went to Inglewood and took over from Darlow certain books, receipt butts, pass books relating to the trust account, and office accounts. Darlow also otlered his assistance to clear up things, which, he said, were "in a bit of a mess." Witness asked Darlow what he reckoned the shortages to be, and he said he had no idea, but "they might be thousands." When witness examined the trust account cash book it showed se\eial pages missing at the beginning. This was referred to Darlow in accordance with his proiniso to assist in settling the balances. His explanation was that the old cash book had been used, and that the first 33 pages or thereabouts had been cut out. An examination of the remaining portion of the book confirmed that statement, as it appeared that the first two figures of the year's date were 18. It was understood from Darlow that he kept the books of the trust account. Witness did not question him as to who actually banked every deposit, but the lodgment slips inspected bore Darlow's signature in the majority of cases. Detective Kearney gave evidence of the arrest of Thomson on February 16 on a charge of defalcation in respect of a sum of £600. When the charge was read to him Thomson asked what date was mentioned. He then said he remembered that amount being paid into his ofiico on March 23. Witness said that Darlow called at the detectives' officc in response to a request and was told that investigations were being made into defalcations in the trust account. Darlow said he knew of deficiencies. He had been "working for Thomson for 14 or 15 years, and had been managing clerk. Darlow said he had looked after the trust account books for years. Witness showed him the auditor's report, and he said he knew what it contained. Continuing, witness said that on April 1 he arrested Darlow. When the "warrant was read, Darlow said: "I am not guilty. I will fight it to a finish." Mr. O'Dea, for Darlow: I understand Darlow said he did not want to do Thomson any injury? Witness: Yes. But. if he was locked up on the charge, he said, ho would have to fight for himself. Can you explain why Darlow was arrested such a long time after Thomson? —We were getting information. He was arrested six weeks after Thomson. A lot of inquiries had to be made. He was always available in New Plymouth ?—Yes. There was some doubt in the minds of the police as to whether you should take action against Darlow?—None at all.

This concluded the case for the prose cution.