HEAVY DEFALCATIONS

Otago Witness, Issue 3556, 9 May 1922, Page 26

HEAVY DEFALCATIONS

SECRETARY PLEADS GUILTY. WELLINGTON, May 3. William Henry Pollock, formerly well known as a prominent New Zealand athlete, who for some seven years has been secretary to the firm of "Nelson, Moate (Ltd.), appeared before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court' to-day charged with the theft between September 1, 1921, and March 20. 1922, of sums of money totalling £927 19s 3d, tfie property of the firm. It was stated that the total amount was £2741 18s 7d. The chief detective appeared on behalf of the police, and Mr W. Perry for the accused. Harry Walter Moss, a director in the firm of Nelson, Moate (Ltd.), Wellington, said the accused had been in the employ of the firm since it came into existence. Seven years ago he was secretary of the firm, tnis position including the duties of accountant. Pollock had control of practically the whole of the financial business of the company. Ernest Wm. Hunt, accountant, said the audit for the firm had been conducted under his supervision for the past three years. Witness had had evidence that the payments into the bank were not as regular as they should have been, and it was decided to secure the pay-in slips for January and February as a test. On comparing these with the cash books, however, they were found to be in order, although it was discovered that th e pay-in slips for the previous and subsequent month were quite irregular. As a result of inquiries made from customers of the firm an examination of the finances of Nelson, Moate (Ltd.) was made, and it was discovered that the accused had misappropriated money to the extent of £2741 18s 7d, extending over a period, so Pollock informed him, of six or seven years. The defalcations between September 1 1921, and March 20, 1922, amounted to £927 19s 3d. To Mr Perry: The annual turnover of Nelson, Moate (Ltd.) averaged £35,900. Pollock afforded witness every assistance he possibly could in clearing up the matter. Detective Walsh said that on April 28 last the accused surrendered himself to witness for prosecution on the present charge. The accused said that he desired to clear the matter up. A statement setting out the defalcations was shown to Pollock, who said that to the best of his knowledge it w<k> .-correct. Pollock made a statement and said that he received a salary of £3/5 as secretary of the firm. Some six or seven years ago he had got into financial difficulties. Pollock pleaded guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail wag allowed in the sum of £SOO, and Pollock was ordered to report daily to the police.