“MOST EXTRAORDINARY!”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17058, 12 June 1926, Page 16

“MOST EXTRAORDINARY!”

THEFT FROM LOCAL BODY

A DISHONEST CLERK EMPLOYED

Tin* fact that the Taihane Borough Council employed a clerk who had previously been dismissed from his employment for embezzlement was commented upon.as being most extraordinary by Air. Justice Reed in the (Supreme Court at Wellington.

The ease was that in which Joseph Wham appeared for sentence on a charge of fraudulently converting the sum of £!)7 14s lid to his own use. the property of the Taihnpe Borough Council.

Mr. T. 0. Kincaid, who appeared for accused, said that the case was very sad, but; nevertheless, serious. In the first place Hie money taken had been refunded.

His Honon: Not by the prisoner. T understand it was refunded by his friends. ’ ’- v Mr. Kincaid: Of course, the fact that the money has been refunded does not make the crime less serious, but T would like to point out that nobody has suffered. Furthermore, this unfortunate man has a wife and five children.

His Honor: I can’t take that into consideration. In these sort of cases innocent people ure the sufferers. STOLE TO KEEP PACE.

Mr. Kincaid: If the prisoner is sent to gaol, your Honor, his wife and family will suffer most. The reason why he committed the offence was that ho mixed with friends who lived more expensively than he could. Consequently lie stole in order to keep the pace. He has learnt his lesson, and it will remain with him for the rest of his life.

His Honor: Does he dispute the fact that ho was dismissed from his last employment for dishonesty? “No. I don’t think so,” replied Mr. Kincaid.

Continuing, counsel said Hint his client had already suffered very heavy punishment in the loss of the esteem of his fellow-citizens. “He has been a man,” added Mr. Kincaid, “who lias been very 1 popular throughout his life. He has had many friends. ... I am going to ask your Honor to admit him to probation. I am thinking more of Iris wife and family when I say that. ” Evidence was called by counsel as to prisoner’s previous good character. “In eases of this kind the circumstances require to be unusual where probation is granted,” said his Honor. “In your case, prisoner, I can see no grounds for granting probation. You actually left one place after embezzling money, and then started again while in the employ of the Taihapo Borough Council. You will be ordered to bo detained for (reformative purposes for a period hot exceeding 12 months. ’ ’

“I can’t understand why the local body did not look into his testimonials,” observed his Honor, after recording .the sentence.

Air. P. ft. K. Afncassey (Crown (Soli citor): It does seem curious. His Honor: Most extraordinary!