TOWN CLERK’S LAPSE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20532, 25 September 1936, Page 11

TOWN CLERK’S LAPSE

THEFT OF BOARD MONEY By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, September 24 The Town Clerk of Glen Eden, Cecil Cecil Richard Wilkinson (36) appeared before Mr Hunt. S.M., to-day. charged with the theft of money totalling £390. The Government Auditor, Wallace Spencer Thorpe, gave evidence that he visited the Town Board office on Tuesday last, when accused said that there would be a shortage of over £3OO. With Wilkinson’s assistance, witness discovered a deficiency of £390. Replying to Mr Bryce Hart, who apeared for accused, witness said that apart from this lapse, he had always found Wilkinson a very efficient officer. He understood that he was receiving £5 a week. There was no safe in the office, and the clerk had often to take money home. Detective Wilson gave evidence that the accused, in a statement, said that he had been clerk for three and a half years. As a result of his wife’s sickness he commenced to use money belonging to the Board. Later he resorted to gambling at the races, hoping to retrieve his position. Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was allowed in £lOO. In applying for bail, Mr Hart said that accused’s wife had been in hospital for 14 months.