Embezzlement

Hastings Standard, Volume X, Issue 5242, 6 July 1906, Page 3

Embezzlement

(Per Pi Co j Association)

Wellington, July 5 In sentencing Henry Robert Hall Oswin. of the Public Trustee's office, New Plymouth, who admitted embezzling £IOO received as rents under the West Coast Reserves' Act, Mr Justice Cooper said it was a painful thing for any judge to have to deal with a case like this. The prisoner had had 22 years of Government service. Ills Honour had no doubt whatever that the prisoner for the greater part of that term hail carried out his duties satisfactory and committed no breach of trust. Ho had no reason "to doubt that Oswin's lirst lapse frcm the path of honesty way caused through stress of circumstances. Unfortunately when ho found himself in financial trouble, he resorted to moneylenders instead of facing the trouble. No doubt the big interest charged expedited his financial downfall, and finally he did what, alas ! too many men had done, and the result was quite as one might anticipate. His position became worse, and his moral fibre becime weakened. Ilis Honour said he would take into consideration that Oswin's previous character up to two years ago was good, aLo that he has forfeited his position under the Government and the allowance for which he had qualified. On the other hand, however, he had taken a large sum from the Government coffers. Also, His Honour would take into consideration that Oswin was a young married man. The prisoner was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment. Herat Larsen was to-day sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment by Mr Justice Cooper for embezzlement. The defalcations, amounting to £250, extended over a period of 18 months.