AN OFFICER IN TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1916, Page 6

AN OFFICER IN TROUBLE.

DEFALCATIONS ADMITTED, By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, March' S. An ex-Territorial oflicer's defalcations in connection with the regimental maintenance fund of the 3rd Auckland Regiment were concerned in a case heard before Mr. Fraser at the Police Court. Cecil Lyttelton Hawkins, who held a captain's commission on the permanent staff of the Defence forces, and was at one time adjutant of the 3rd Auckland Infantry Regiment, wa s charged with forging the name of J. H. Parslow to a receipt for £2 125., and with presenting it to Alfred Bartlett, Officer Commanding the 3rd Auckland Regiment, so as to cause him to act upon it as if it were genuine. He was further charged ivith misappropriating various sum's of money. Cyril George Collins, Government audit inspeeter, stationed at Auckland, stated that the accused, in his capacity as adjutant of the 3rd Auckland Regiment, was responsible for the eare of the Government maintenance grant. Witne'ss had audited the accounts of the regiment on January 27 of the present year, and he proceeded to give in detail the result of the whole of his investigations into the v operations of the accused in connection with the regimental fund. He said that in many instances he could find no receipts for money paid, indicating that moneys had been misappropriated. In an interview the witness had had with the accused on February IS last. Hawkins had stated that he was heavily in debt and he had badly needed the money, but he thought he had "squared" all matters up before he left with the maiH body of the expeditionary force. A statement made in writing' by accused was handed in. In it accused stated that he had drawn cheques on the reegimental fund for the purpose of paving several tradesmen, but owing to financial difficulties and to tide over pressure from money-lend-ers and others, he cashed the cheque* and converted the money to his own use. It'was his intention to make good the money before the audit, but the war broke out, and lie was ordered on service with the main body of the expeditionary farce. He was? inclined to make application to remain in New Zealand, but fearing that such an application from an officer of the permanent staff would cause public comment he decided to obey orders. He proceeded to Egypt, but the knowledge of the defalcations preyed upon his mind, and he broke down in health en route and was invalided back to New Zealand. It was his intention to make restitution of all moneys appropriated. The accused formally pleaded guilty and was committed to the Hamilton Supreme Court for sentence.