OFFICERS' CLUB SCANDAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18089, 13 May 1922, Page 2 (Supplement)

OFFICERS' CLUB SCANDAL.

THEFTS BY MEMBER'S WIFE.

A series of thefts, extending over i»mo months, from the Officers' Club at Colchester, led to the appearance at the Police Court of Mrs. Elsie Blanche Bart:rnm, wife of an officer living in tho town. She was charg&d -with stealing a fur stole, value £80; a gold sapphire ring, iralue £115; a silk jumper, and various other articles.

The loss of articles led to a watch being kept, but this failed until, according to the prosecution, a Treasury note was placed in a position, and accused was seen to take it by a, detective in hiding. When the officer sought to stop her, as she was leaving the club, she rushed back into the cloak-room and tried to conceal artjcles alleged to have- been stolen.

The daughter of General- Croker identified the stole, and Lady Shute, wife of Major* General Shute, identified the ring. The club stewardess recognised a scarf that had been taken from her pocket. It was stated thafc the whole of the stolen property had been recovered, and that Mrs. Bartrftm had given the police every assistance. Captain Bart ram, husband of the accused, called for the defence, urced that residence in Egypt had undermined her health, and, whereas she was once a fearless cross-country rider, she was now afraid to mount a horse. There was no motive, he added, for the theft, as they had a joint bank account and his wife was not extravagant.

Sentence of two months' imprisonment in the second division was passed.