THEFT CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1934, Page 3

THEFT CHARGE

TA-Xiv'GOMFANY'. SECRETARY. - JOHNSON SENT FOR TRIAL. (Per Press Association — Copyright.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 20. At tlie hearing of the theft charge against Johnson, diaries E. Irillo, taxi jiro.prietor, said that Johnson had .been employed by witness as organiser and auditor. The firm had an account- with Turner’s Ltd., printers, for printing and advertising. Witness became aware in January that receipts from Turner’s had been altered to make the amount larger, and he reported the matter to the police.

Winifred Green, clerk, employed by Turner’s Ltd., said that there was an account for £3s'that was to be collected from the Gold Band Taxis at the rate of 15s per week. In September, 1933, an adjustment was made,' reducing the weekly payment to 11s. This arrangement was made with Johnson. Witness produced duplicate receipts signed by her to show that receipts held by the Gold Band Taxis had been altered to larger amounts.

Gordon Ferguson, clerk, employed by the Gold Band Taxis, said one of his duties, was to keep petty cash. In paying the weekly account with Turner’s, witness' would give the accused amounts varying from 11s to £1 11s from the petty cash. On January 1> • witness gave Johnson £1 11s and ho produced a receipt from Turner’s. Witness thought the amount had been altered. He showed it to Trillo. Detecive R. Thompson gave evidence of having interviewed the accused. Accused said that Trillo owed him money and it was the only way of getting it back.

Accused pleaded not guilty to the forgery charges, and was committed for trial. On the theft charges, it was stated in evidence that the shortage >vas about £7OO. Two methods had been used by Johnson, it was alleged, lhe first was by drawing cheques signed in blank by Trillo for amounts in excess of the sums owing to firms, and the second was by showing in the cheque hook and other books that certain amounts had been paid when only part, cr nothing had been paid Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. Bail was fixed ay £2O(T aiid one surety of £2OO.