THEFT AND FORGERY

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 16, 19 January 1921, Page 8

THEFT AND FORGERY

An ex-railway employee, John Lawrence Sullivan, alias Reed and Blackmore, was charged at thei Mftgistrate's Court with the theft of Government moneys and the forgery of a consignment note by the alteration of weights shown thereon from one hundredweight two quarters and ten pounds to one hundredweight. . •

Arthui! Herbert Miles said that in April, 1917, as manager for the firm of Blake and Carlisle, carriers, Wellington, he consigned a case of goods to Palmerston North. The consignment note was made out in duplicate. The freight paid ■was 5s 6d, but later the consignment note, was returned to the firm with the weight entry altered and the charge stated as 3s 6d. ■ *■•

Evidence was also given by Gerald Hull, manager for the firm of J. A. Redpath and Co., of the consignment of a quantity of hardwood -posts from Wellington to Pahiatua, and the payment of a cheque of £9 16s 8d in respect of freight. John S. Young, Assistant District Traffic Manager of the New Zealand Railways, said that' Sullivan had been employed us. a temporary clerk at the Lambton Station in 1916-17. In August, 1917; witness examined accused's books and-discovered!'certain defalcations, representing a. total of £6 9s 7d. Accused explained th.at his house had 'been Tobbed and that he had been in difficulties. The books showed that the accused had received £9 16s 8d in respect of the transport of the hardwood piles received from Redpath and Co., but the ■payment was not' shown in the cash account, and the accused had not accounted for the sum. In a statement made to Deteotive-Ser-Keanfc Andrews, Sullivan admitted his guilt, and said that he had as. a rule taken the money in.'order to make up shortages and mistakes in his cash, as lie was unable to do so out of his wages.

Accused was committed to the SU' preme Court for sentence.