THEFT FROM A BANK

Southland Times, Issue 22921, 20 June 1936, Page 8

THEFT FROM A BANK

£7500 IN NOTES (United Press Association.) Taihape, June 18. Maurice Alexander, a bank teller, appeared before Justices of the Peace in the Police Court charged with the theft of £7500 in notes from the Bank of New Zealand at Mangaweka. He pleaded guilty. James Cherry, manager of the bank, stated that there were two keys to the safe in which the notes were stored as a reserve. Witness held one and Alexander the other. One day when witness went to Palmerston North he unlocked the safe and instructed Alexander to lock it at the close of the day and witness would lock it with his key on his return. Later witness went to the safe and found the notes missing. Alexander was present and expressed surprise. He suggested a call to the police. Witness declined, preferring to communicate with head office. Detective Murray stated that, as a result of his investigations, he concluded the money had been taken by a member of the bank staff. He spoke to Alexander and said that he was going to search certain premises. Alexander showed alarm and requested to be allowed to see his solicitor. Witness consented. . Alexander returned presently with a brown paper parcel containing all the notes. The accused was remanded to Auckland for sentence. He was released on bail. The police were complimented by the Bench