RESIGNATION

NZ Truth, Issue 1253, 5 December 1929, Page 7

RESIGNATION

ACCEPTED

Sequel To Alleged

Meter Thefts

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Foxton Rep.) A special meeting of the Foxton Borough Council was held following the appearance m court of William Stromberg Heyes on charges of thefts from slot gas meters. The charge was dismissed by the Magistrate, but a full investigation was carried out by the Council. Heyes's resignation as borough gas manager was tendered and accepted. THE Mayor asked if it was the wish 1 of the Councilthat Mr. Heyes be brought before the meeting- and afforded an opportunity of explaining the position before any, action was taken. This was agreed to after discussion and Heyes was called m. Heyes said at no time had he knowingly or wilfully taken Council, money. He had read the meters, taken . the money . out of the slot machines, glanced "at it and the "tell tale," put back any prepaid money, and put the rest into his pocket. If all the money was not' accounted for it had been due to carelessness on his part. It was hard to explain, but he had no other explanation. : > The Mayor: You admit gross carelessness? — That's all I can do. Is it your intention to resign from your position ? — That's a hard thing to say..' I have had intimation to-day of another job. If you force. me to resign it will prevent me - from getting another position. '.'.... Considerable discussion followed and the question then arose as to whether Heyes, would resign if asked to., The town clerk got m touch with him and Heyes agreed to hand m his resignation immediately. The resignation was received a few minutes, later and accepted. The Council then passed a motion unanimously endorsing the Mayor and town clerk m keeping the facts of the. case confidential m accordance with the wishes of the Audit Department until such time as the nature of the charges was made known to the police.