ANOTHER ABSCONDING BANK SECRETARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7143, 21 January 1884, Page 5

ANOTHER ABSCONDING BANK SECRETARY.

A warrant has been issued for the apprehension of Mr James Davis, the secretary of the London and San Francisco Bank, who absconded on Nov. 19, and who is charged with having stolen 108 First Mortgage Six .per cent Gold Bonds of the Oregon and Californian Eailroad Company, and other securities, the total defalcations amounting to .£50,000. It appears that the securities in question were entrusted to Mr Davis to dispose of with certain stockbrokers in the City, and it was understood by the Bank officials that that had been done in due course and that a cheque for the full amount had been paid over to and was in the custody of the Secretary. It appears that on Nov. 19, when the books of the Bank were being balanced for the day, no such cheque could be found, and the accounts showed a deficit. Mr Davis, when informed of the circumstance, appeared to take the matter very coolly, and, before volunteering an explanation, proceeded to substitute his office coat for the one he was then wearing. Then, putting an his office cap, and leaving his silk hat on the peg, he went downstairs, apparently with the intention of fetching some book or document. Instead of returning, however, he left the premises, and did not return. His disappearance aroused the suspicions of the Managing Director, and the police were communicated with. It was subsequently discovered that he had not deposited the bonds with the brokers as had been supposed, and that, therefore, no cheque had been handed to him. As soon as the necessary authority could be given for Davis’ arrest, an experienced detective officer left London for Dover, and instructions were wired to all the other seaports where it was probable he could leave, but up to the present time no clue has been obtained to his whereabouts, and it is believed that he has succeeded in reaching the Continent undetected. The absconder, who has been a trusted and confidential servant of the Company for many years, is a married man with a large family. He is well known in the City and also in the neighbourhood of Battersea, where he a villa known as Alstree House, situate in Bridge road. At the time of his disappearance his wife and family were residing at Sandgate. The Bank has a reserve of nearly .£BO,OOO. A reward of .£2OO has been offered by the Bank Directors to anyone giving such information as will lead to the defaulter’s arrest.