CASE FOR PROBATION

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 135, 9 June 1928, Page 26

CASE FOR PROBATION

♦ —- METER-READER BEFORE CODBT Probation was granted to Edgar BuUver, a clerk, aged 41 years, in the Supreme Court yesterday, when he appeared for sentence before his Honour Mr. Justice ilim for theft as a servant. Mr. O'Leary, who appeared for the prisoner, submitted that .it was a case where probation might be granted. The total amount Bulwer was charged with failing to account for was £132. He had been employed as a' meter-reader by the Hutt Valley Power Board at a salary of JL"3 10s, and later £4 a week. Mr. O'JJeary pointed out that Bulwer had paid back more than he had received, because there was a penalty of 20 per cent, when accounts become overdue. Prior to the irregularities being discovered, he had repaid £60, and within two days of the discovery being made £70 was paid, including £20 by way of penalty. The £20 was subsequently refunded. Prior to prosecution all the money had been repaid. The Power Board did not desire to prosecute, but the Government auditor insisted. Bulwer was a married man and had a family of two children. His Honour said that the general rule was that where a mnn stole from his employers when ho was i:i a position of trust lie was not released on probation. In the present case the Probation Officer did not recommend probation, but notwithstanding that his Honour said he thought that in view oE all the circumstances-he was justified in giving Bulwer a chance. Bulwer was admitted to probation for three yours, and was ordered to take out a imoliibition order and pay £1 ]2s fid. :'-■• costs of the prosecution. Advertisers spend something' like £130,000,000 a year in bringing their products to the notice of the public. Drummers of live years old competed in the recent. Stratford Musical .Festival, which has been held for 40 years.