POSTMISTRESS IN COURT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 70, 4 October 1939, Page 5

POSTMISTRESS IN COURT

CHARGED WITH THEFT OF £36

PLEA OF GUILTY

At ..the Opoti-ki Police • Court on Monday morning before Messrs G. S. Mooily and C. Pipe, Nora Wellington was charged that at Raukokore on or about 21st April, 1939* and on divers dates between 21st April and 22nd September, 1939, being a servant in the employ of the New Zealand Government, she stole sums of money totalling £360 2s the? property of the New Zealand Government.

Detectivc-Scrgeant R. IT. Water-* of Gisborne, conducted proceedings on behalf of the police.

In evidence, Weeti Katai, stated that as the result oil an, accident he received £300 from the Native Department as compensation the money being paid in £5 notes. The money was then deposited in hi£ savings bank account, the deposit slip being dated 3rd July. Later he withdrew £170 at intervals.

Richard H. Waterson, DetectiveSergeant, stationed at Gisborne. stated that on 2Sth September. 1939, as the result of a complaint made by the Chief Postmaster, Gisborne, he interviewed accused at Raukokerc regarding a shortage in the accounts. He showed her a letter (produced) and also showed her a m?in balance the 86 registration levy coupons and tbr» 18 denoslt slins (all produced), which included the deposit slip already wrodncd bv Wcti Katai. the three withdrawal slips and the Tjavment warrants. The accused made a statement which he typed down and read ove** to her. She said it was true and signed it. The explanation was -produced in which incused stated that four years ago thp off'cc was burnt down leaving her without monev. She was afraid to report the matter to the Department. She bscame muddled with her work and found the deficiency becoming'larger. When the native deposited the monev he told her he would not be withdrawing it for som~ time and accused thought she could 'isc the money to hide the deficiency. Registration couoons and deposit, slins Avere also withheVl. male ing further enquiries witness arrested acm=ed at Raukokore on the present charge.

Accused pleaded guilty and was committed 'for trial at Auckland.