EMBEZZLEMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11705, 18 December 1923, Page 7

EMBEZZLEMENT

“THE FASHION IN NEW ZEALAND.” CHIEF JUSTICE’S COMMENT. Herbert Symes, an elderly man, who was formerly employed as clerk to tho Pohangina County Council, at Palmerston North, appeared at the Supreme Court yesterday for sentence, having pleaded guilty to the theft of £382 19s, the property of the council. Mr J. G. Hanna, instructed by Mr A. M. Ongley, appeared on Symes’s behalf. He emphasised that the prisoner had previously borne a good character, and attributed his downfall to drink. He mentioned that in recent years the prisoner had discovered he was suffering from consumption, and the indications were that this had led to him taking more drink. His health was not good, and counsel feared.that a term of imprisonment might have a serious effect. Svmes was granted' 12 months’ probation, on the condition that he remained on one of the islands for inebriates for that period. “Unfortunately,” said the Chief Justice, “this stealing from local bodies and the CroWn- by officers in their employ seems to have become tho fashion in Now Zealand of late, and even juries seem to take the view that there is nothing wrong.” - He considered, however, this to bo one of the casos of a man acting in drink.