THEFT ADMITTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23739, 20 August 1940, Page 10

THEFT ADMITTED

FUNDS OF A CLUB " LIVING ABOVE MEANS " CLERK FOR SENTENCE The misappropriation of £228 13s 5(1 from the funds while he was secretary of the Devon port ."Returned Soldiers' Club was admitted by Ernest Masters, clerk, married, aged GO (Mr. Aekins), when he was charged in the Police Court yesterday, before Mr. J. Morling, S.M. Acting-Detective Lane said accused visited the detective office on August 5 and gave himself up before advising the club that there was any shortage in the funds. He handed over his books and records, and made a voluntary explanation, • after which ho was arrested. Accused explained that he was appointed i secretary when the club was formed in 1932, and he resigned on March 31\ last, when he was appointed treasurer. While secretary he received £5 a year, and as treasurer he was to get £2 a year. He misappropriated funds several times between April, 1934, and August 5, 19-10. To make the annual balance-sheets appear correct, he altered the iigures in the bank book. After the accounts were audited ho rubbed out the alterations. The club's total credits were £27 12s Bd. "The only reason I can offer for my actions is that I have generally been living above my means," accused concluded. Evidence was given that accused was a prisoner in Germany during the last war. His work as secretary of the club was eulogised by members. The police said he had never previously been before the Court. Accused was committed to the Supremo Court for sentence.