Alleged Theft.

Opunake Times, Volume VI, Issue 278, 7 May 1897, Page 2

Alleged Theft.

SUPPOSED LARGE DEFALCATIONS.

On Monday Constable Ryan arrested at Inglewood John Douglas, land agent of Auckland, for whose apprehension a warrant was issued for alleged theft. A telegram received from Auckland states that rumor is busy with the amount of Douglas’ liabilities, but at present it is impossible to say what they figure at. Sufficient is known, however, to put them down at a very large sum. The late John Newland, of Epsom, is interested to the tune of £12,000, and W. H. Smith is another with a claim of £1250 against the missing one. The name of Mrs Lane is also mentioned as having claims to the extent of £2500, besides many others. Mr H. Goulstone, assignee of the estate, has had charge of the books and accounts belonging to Douglas since 2Gth April. The house recently occupied by him on the View Road, Mt. Eden, is stated to be mortgaged up to its full value. The furniture was sold by auction on Monday. It appears Douglas always kept his books at his private house. Douglas was a man much trusted, and had a splendid connection for many years. He took a prominent part in religious matters, and regularly led the choir at the City Hall Sunday evening services, while his name figures as a member of the Trust Board of the Auckland Scripture Gift Association. Douglas came to Auckland from South, some 16 years ago with an excellent reputation.