CLERK CHARGED

Southland Times, Issue 22106, 29 August 1933, Page 6

CLERK CHARGED

ALLEGED TET FT COUNTY COUNCIL TOOLS USE OF CHATTELS (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, August 28. Edward Butt, formerly engineer and clerk to the Selwyn County Council, was charged with the theft of tools and other property of the council valued at £55. The case is expected to last two days. Accused pleaded not guilty- , „ , The greater part of the day was taken up with the evidence of the county chairman, William Gilmour, who said Butt had taken various articles from the council yard without permission. The witness was subjected to a long cross-examination by Mr Thomas, counsel for the defence. Witness said Butt had been given permission to take certain articles mentioned on the list. Mr Thomas (to witness) : And you cannot tell us what were in the lists you mentioned? —Witness: No. But you went out to the yard and saw that this man, this thief if you like, had taken 13 or 14 tie rods, whereas you had said he should take six?—Yes.

And found a lot of posts and stringers missing?—We knew there was a lot of timber missing. And you knew he said he had taken certain tools?—No, he didn’t say. He told you he was taking certain tools from the place?—Yes. Well it has taken us a long time to get that. There was another exchange between counsel and witness later. Mr Thomas: When it comes to an easy way of using chattels of the county council, different members of the council, farmers and others used the machinery and property?—Yes. And you have yourself?—Yes. After the evidence of three councillors had been heard the charges were dismissed. It was alleged that at the termination of his engagement in April, 1933, Butt took away goods valued at £55. The defence, in cross-examina-tion of witnesses led the evidence to show that Butt claimed the . articles taken as his own, and had notified the chairman of his intention to take them. Butt made a list for the council of the articles he took. The Magistrate said that he was far from satisfied that any thing in the nature of theft had been committed and dismissing the charges, ordered that the goods seized should be returned to Butt.