SOLICITOR CHARGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 70, 24 March 1933, Page 7

SOLICITOR CHARGED.

TRUST BALANCES RETURN. FIRST CASE IN DOMINION. (By Telegraph,—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, this. day. Failure to supply a monthly statement of trust balances to his auditor resulted in Frederick William Hutchison; a solicitor, of Matamata, being prosecuted by the Hamilton Law Society at the Hamilton Court to-day. The case is said to be the first in New Zealand under section 10 of the Solicitors' Audit Regulations, 1031. Mr. N. S. Johnson, for the society, said the information was laid following a complaint by Mr. T. G. Reynolde, the accountant, who had charge of defendant's trust acount'g. The council of the society wrote* pointing out the neglect, to Hutchison, but had received no reply. It then took action. Mr. W. J. King, for defendant, agreed that the society's policy in having the regulations obeyed was justified, but said that Hutchison was the victim of the depression and intended giving up practice at the end f the month. He had only three - trust accounts and the balances had not been altered since November. Mr, F. W. Platts. S.M.: In view of the circumstances I will not impose a heavy penalty, though the regulations provide one up to £100. Tbb defendant was fined £5 with costs amounting to £2 12/. A month was allowed in which to pay.