ALLEGED THEFT OF MONEYS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 76

ALLEGED THEFT OF MONEYS.

COMPANY MANAGER CHARGED. ]

CHRISTCHURCH, August 25. Charges that William Roy M'Donald, formerly manager of the Christchurch branch of the Guardian Assurance Company, had stolen between October 30, 1925, and June 3, 1927, sums aggregating£6s4 17s, were heard by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., to-day. Percival James Townley, general manager of the company at Wellington, stated that he examined the Christchurch books with the auditor, and in an interview with M'Donald subsequently, the latter admitted taking money, stating that the amount was about £307. Since then the sum of £404 17s had been paid to the office by Mr J. G. Neil, of «Dunedin. That was the amount of the defalcations discovered up to then. The amount now stood at £654 17s.

Robert Joseph Edward Caroll, chief clerk of the Christchurch office, said that in Aug-ust, 1925, the accused began the practice of receiving amounts from witness and giving lOU’s. The amounts ranged from 5s to £2O. Sometimes the cheques and lOU’s were taken back by M’Donald, as he did not want the auditor to see them. The system was that the cash received would be used to pay up back premiums, and the premiums received were entered a week later than when they were received. Witness and M'Donald had several conversations about the amount owing, and M'Donald was always going to refund the money. Ho said he had some shares to sell. He refunded small amounts occasionally, but very rarely. May was the occasion of tho last discussion, and M'Donald promised to refund an amount at the end of the month. He did not do so, and witness then went to Wellington to report tho position to tlie head office. Lately M’Donald had been taking the amounts during the lunch hour of witness. Witness explained in detail the system of the defalcations by M'Donald.

Nora Clarke, bookkeeper, gave similar evidence, and the company’s auditor stated that he had found irregularities in the cash account extending over two years.

Detective Thomas said that, when interviewed, the accused stated that he had ' not stolen any money. He had paid in over £4OO, but he did not know what it was for.

Chief Detective Lewis said that there was yet £250 to account for.

On his application a remand was granted until September 1, so that the evidence of another auditor might be heard. Bail was allowed in self £3OO and one surety of £3OO.