POSTAL CLERK'S THEFTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21794, 8 May 1934, Page 12

POSTAL CLERK'S THEFTS

ADMISSIONS BY ACCUSED TOTAL OF £29 INVOLVED [FROM our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Monday Seven charges of stealing money totalling £29 12s 9d, tho property of the Postmaster-General, were admitted by a former post office clerk, Bobert James Gillies, aged 37 (Mr. N. S. Johnson), before Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., in tho Hamilton Polico Court to-day.

In connection with five summary charges, involving sums ranging from £1 5s to £2, accused was remanded for sentence until May 21.

Evidence was taken in connection with two indictable counts of stealing £8 and £l3 12s 9d.

Arthur Orr, inspector in tho employ of tho Post and Telegraph Department, said that accused had been in tho employ of the department for 23 years. Ho had been a clerk and telegraphist at Ngaruawahia for 12 years. As the result of investigations carried out by witness, accused was dismissed on March 21. Witness produced a savings bank book in tho name of Bobert Graham. Thero was an entry of a doposit in tho book of £8 made on July 8 last. The ontry was initialled by accused. No traco of tlio deposit slip could bo found, and tho money had not been accounted for. A slip for a. State Advance payment of £l3 12s 9d made by W. L. Johnson, of Ngaruawahia, was produced. Accused signed tho receipt, but ho had not accounted for the money.

Detective-Sergeant Thompson said that .accused admitted having failed to account for Johnson's payment. 110 voluntarily admitted having stolen tlio deposit of £8 paid into a. bank account by .Robert Graham. A statement signed by Gillies was produced, in which lie. admitted all the thefts. Accused voluntarily reported to witness and surrendered himself. Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supremo Court at Auckland for sentence. Bail was allowed.