A PAINFUL CASE

Southland Times, Issue 18938, 11 May 1923, Page 6

A PAINFUL CASE

CLERK RECEIVES IMPRISONMENT “This is indeed a very painful case and an embarrassing one to all concerned,” declared Mr P. J. O’Regan at the Wellington Supreme Court, when Allan Saunders, formerly a clerk in the service of the Tourist Department, appeared before the Chief Justice for sentence for theft of moneys due to the Government.

The defalcations in the case amounted to £42 (says the Times). Saunders is a man approaching his fortieth year, with a wife and child dependent upon him. Until recently he was employed in the Tourist Department, where he was regarded with confidence by his superior officers as a capable and straightforward public servant. He had never been in trouble before.

Mr B. M. Wilson, general manager of the Department, gave evidence on behalf of the prisoner. He had regarded him as one of the most zealous and capable officers in that branch of the senice. Sir Robert Stout: What was his salary? Witness said Saunders had received £365 while acting as chief clerk. Previous to that he received approximately £3OO. Counsel emphasised the fact that the prisoner was not a drinking man, neither was he a gambler. “The case, sir,” he argued, “is not a serious one of its class. Full restitution has been made.” He had two positions for Saunders to go to if he left the court a free man.

The Chief Justice viewed very seriously the fact the the prisoner had falsified two documents in connection with the charge against him, and had forwarded two false receipts. “I must give you what is really only a nominal sentence under the circumstances,” remarked His Honour to the prisoner. Sir Robert Stout, after commenting upon the decision of the judges not to grant probation in the case of defalcations by Government servants, inflicted a sentence of six months’ imprisonment