ALLEGED THEFT.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17613, 16 November 1922, Page 11

ALLEGED THEFT.

HARBOUR BOARD FOREMAN CHARGED. (press association teleqbam.) WELLINGTON, November 15. Shipping companies in Wellington, and several, importing firms carrying on business in this city, have suffered considerable loss for some time past through the extensive cargo pillaging that has been going on on the waterfront. Following an investigation by the police authorities a search of s Harbour Board employee's house revealed a large store of piissing property, with a result that this morning John Madson appeared before the Court on thirteen charges of theft and one of receiving stolen goods. According to Chief-Detective Kemp, Madson Joined the Wellington Harbour Board's staff on November 14tb, 1906, and for the past sixteen years he had been employed in various branches. From August Ist, 1919, to October,. 1921, ho was in charge of I shed on the (siee#'s wharf, which was used for ther examination of refused cases and Customs stops—goods for examination by the for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of duties to be paid on the merchandise—.and goods banned on account of being of German manufacture. Whilo controlling this shed, it was Madson's duty to open the caseß qnd see that they were securely fastened alter being examined, and j also to keep the goodß. from being tampered with by unuathorised per- | sons. / From October, 1921, until the time of his arrest, accused was in charge of P-shed, as during , that month the Harbour Board had decided to discontinue the use of I shed aB an examination store, and so transferred the work to new premises, where Madson resumed hi? duties as formerly. He was receiving 17s per day, making his wages £5 2s per 'week.' The date of'the-first offence was June 6th, 1920) and of the last theft October ICth, 1922. The amount of goods involved in the charge totalled £205 18s fid, but the total pillage amounted to £556 3s. In all cases except three it .was intended to prove that the goods; passed through Madion'a shed.' Many witnesses were called, and identified as their property articles alleged tP. be found in the possession of accused. The hearing of what is likely to prove a lengthy case was not coneluded when the Court rose for the day. ■ <