DISHONEST STOREMAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21548, 20 July 1933, Page 12

DISHONEST STOREMAN

BENZINE STOLEN ANI) SOLD dealings at arapuni COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE [nv TUI.KCTIAPH—OWN COMIKSI'ONOKNT] MOHHIXSVILLE. Wednesday A storenian, Walter John Baskiville, appeared in the Police Court at 1 utaruru this afternoon charged that on various dates between April 1 and July 2, being a servant of the Public Works Department, ho stole 508 gallons of benzine and 43 gallons of lubricating oil to the value of £55 19s 2d, tlio property of the Public Works Department. An inspector of the Public Works Department stated that accused had been employed for the last two and ahalf years at Arapuni. Part of accused's duty was to control the receipt and isstio of stores, including benzino and lubricating oil, and to keep all necessary records. When stores were required by Public Works employees at Arapuni application would be made to accused. As the result of complaints witness made an investigation and found alterations had been made by accused in the requisitions and day book. Quantities of benzine and oil alleged to have been supplied had been increased.

Accused was suspended on July 8, continued witness, and at an interview 011 July 11 he admitted altering the documents and book. When questioned by witness, accused stated that 110 had sold the benzine to people in Arapuni for Is a gallon, and bad not made more than £lB in all. His method was to fill an 18-gallon drum out of the pump and hide -it at the back of the tool shed until required. Although pressed, accused refused to divulge the names of the people with whom he had been dealing. Witness obtained from accused a written admission. As an excuse accused said he was not in good health and had been drinking heavily at the time. Constable Murphy gave evidence that lie interviewed accused, who had admitted the theft, but refused to give the names of those to whom he had sold the benzine. Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court at Auckland for sentence. Mr. Lockhead, who appeared for accused, applied for bail, which was opposed by Detective-Sergeant Thompson. Bail was refused by the justices.