THEFT OF MONEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3251, 5 July 1916, Page 17

THEFT OF MONEY.

Arthur Edward Brainbridgc. an employee in the gas department of tne City Corporation, was brought before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., in the City Polico Court on the 30th und charged that, on May 3, he stole two sums of money, totalling £4 i6s; also, that, on April 8, ho stole £i 3s .6d, and on April 10 JbU Is, the property of the Mayor, councillors, and burgesses ot Dunedin. The accused who was not represented by counsel, pleaded "Guilty" to each charge. Chief-detective Bishop said the accused arrived in the dominion from England nine years ago with his wife and two children, and had lived in Dunedin ever since. During that period he had been an honest man, so far as tho police know. Ho enlisted on the outbreak of the war, and was injured at the front and returned to New Zealand, subsequently being discharged as medically unfit. For some time no had boon employed by the gas department of tho City Corporation, and his duties wore to examine meters and collect money from tho householders. During the last 10 weeks he appropriated about £4O. When interviewed regarding tho allegations made against him he offered to make restitution. Tho defalcations were covered by a fidelity bond which tho employees of tho City Corporation had to enter into. The Magistrate: What became of the money ? . Chief-detective Bishop: Tho accused frittered it away, and admits having given way to drink lately. The Magistrate : It seems a big sum for Such a short period. Chief-detective Bishop said that something had just como to his knowledge which ho would like to have investigated, and he desired the court to defer sentence for a week. Tho Magistrate remanded the accused for a week for sentence.