CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8270, 31 May 1890, Page 5

CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Nklson, Friday. At the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day John Tucker Robinson, secretary and treasurer of the Marlborough Board School Commissioners, was charged on the information of Mr. Holmes, with the embezzlement of £18 paid to him by Stafford and Jones on behalf of the Commissioners. Mr. Fell appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Pitt and Mr. McNab for the Mr. Pitt asked for a remand to Blenheim, as the defendant would be seriously prejudiced by the hearing in Nelson, entailing great expense, with the possibility of some witnesses not being able to be brought here. Mr. Fell said the parties were present, and the defendant having an unusual array o counsel, there was nothing to prevent the case proceeding. Blenheim was well known to be a peculiar place, where personal and political spirit was high, so much so that it was difficult to obtain a fair trial there. He asked that the case might proceed. Mr. Turnbull, R.M., said as the parties were present be would go on. William Swafford deposed to paying rent to the accused, and produced receipts, including one for £18 paid in November, 1887, which was not on the regular form. Mr. Holmes, auditor, deposed that the accused's books showed Swafford and Jones to be in arrears £54. The two last payments by them did not appear in the cash book or ledger. Accused was also charged with embezzling £18 paid by Swafford and Jones on the 17th October, 1888. Jones deposed to paying the money. Mr. Holmes swore the amount was not accounted for by the defendant in his books. On the question of committal Mr. McNab said as to political prejudice and passion there was none on their side, but they had been shown by the Crown. The Magistrate determined to treat the case as a Nelson one, and committed accused to the Supreme Court here, bail being granted to accused in £100 and two sureties in £00 each, which were forthcoming.