SYDNEY ARREST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 253, 26 October 1933, Page 17

SYDNEY ARREST.

COMPANY MANAGER.

trial on theft charge.

USE OF BEAUX CHEQUE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

A company manager, Horace John Algar, aged 42, who was arrested in Sydney, was charged before Mr. E. Page, S.M., to-day with stealing £143 3/6, the ■property of R. W. Swagger and others. In evidence Swanger said the accused was a partner with him and two others in a carrying firm, accused being the manager, witness secretary, and the i o ther two lorry drivers. All were on an equal basis. It was decided to close the business on the last day of September and divide equally. About £20 was left after the payment of bills on September 30. At accused's request witness signed a blank cheque, accused saying he •wanted it to return some Customs duty 'to a customer. Later accused told witness that the amount drawn was £140 ■3/6. That night witness communicated with the customer, who reported the matter to the police. Evidence was given by a shipping clerk that the accused and another man booked a passage to Sydney by the Wanganella, the men giving their names as Aitken and Buckley. Evidence of the accused presenting a cheque for £143 3/6 was given by a teller of the National Bank. The customer previously mentioned • denied in evidence that he ever received the money owed him, although he had asked Algar several times for it. Accused was committed for trial and was fined £2 for being-in illegal possession of l a revolver.