THEFT FROM THE STATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19413, 23 August 1926, Page 12

THEFT FROM THE STATE

YOUNG HUSBAND'S LAPSE. WIFE AND SMALL SALARY. STRICT TERMS OF PROBATION, [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] WANGANUI. Saturday. The question of what is an adequate salary for a young married family to live upon was raised at the Supreme Court to-day when a young man, Leslie Faithful Henry, pleaded guilty to the misappropriation of £l4B Os lid, funds of the Marton Court where lie was employed as a clerk. The accused was represented by Mr. Lyon. Counsel stated that accused was youthful and inexperienced in finance and the ways of the world generally. At the age of 18 years he entered the department and he was now only 22. He started with a salary of £75 plus £4O boarding allowance. Unfortunately ho married a young woman and practically doubled his liabilities. His salary was practically £4 a week and out of this he paid 35s a week rent. When he left Masterton he also left debts behind and these included one judgment summons for £lB 10s. In order to meet his obligations he foolishly stole from the department,. He was in sole charge at the Marton Court and had made, no attempt to cover up his thefts. The Judge: If I grant probation what occupation does he propose to follow? Counsel replied that. he< had nothing in view at present. His father was here find would take'him back and look after him. Counsel added that he had already been punished severely by the loss of his position. The trouble was no doubt due to his salary not being sufficient to allow him to meet his obligations. The Judge: I notice that he spent his evenings in picture theatres and other places of amusement. Healthy Games Suggested. Counsel went on to refer to the disadvantages of picture theatres when His Honor interjected that because the picture theatres were, in existence it was r.io reason why persons who could not afford to patronise them should do so. "What games does he play? " asked the Judge. "I don't know that he plays any," replied counsel. "He is a good football •referee." "Does his health prevent his playing healthy games?" asked His Honor. "I notice among other things that he is a first-class billiard player and a first-class musician. This only helps to bring a young man down. I would rather see him follow more wholesome games." Counsel went on to refer to accused's small means when His Honor remarked that other cadets in the public service had also to start on small means. ? Limit Upon Amusements.

The Judge, in addressing the accused,"' said he supposed he knew that the crime was serious and one for which he Was liable to- ten years' imprisonment. He had given some consideration to the case in view of the fact that accused was a young man anc'l in his position had been put in the way .of temptation without supervision. He proposed to admit accused to probation but intended to make the terms stringent. The terms which he would have to carry out might be of benefit to him in the future. The probation would be for three years. He would have to pay the costs of the prosecution, £1 Is. He would have to refund £75, the amounts to be paid at such times as the probation officer might direct. During the time of his probation he would not be allowed to enter dance halls, picture theatres, or billiard saloons. Pipe Better Than Cigarettes. " The terms," added the Judge, "may; be of assistance to teach you to be economical in your-way of living." Honor went on to advise accused that he had a hard row to hoe in the future in order to make good and he strongly advised him not to treat tho terms of his probation lightly. It he did he was liable to be brought up and sentenced to imprisonment. He was not going to prohibit accused from cigarette smoking during his probation. But if you must smoke," he , concluded, " smoke a pipe which is more wholesome and not so ex- j pensive as cigarettes."