METER READER STOLE MONEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18453, 2 May 1928, Page 5

METER READER STOLE MONEY.

LATER REPAID SUM TO POWER BOARD. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, May 2. The theft of sums totalling £132 5s Sd from the Hutt Valley Power Board was admitted by Edgar Bulwer, aged forty, until recently a clerk in its employ, in Court to-day. The secretary of the board said that Bulwer was a meter reader, his duty being to read meters and collect money owing on accounts. All moneys collected in this way were to be handed into the office daily, and accused had to give an official receipt. Witness discovered that a large number of consumers, whose meters were read by accused, were in arrears on their accounts and some of them produced receipts showing that the accounts had been paid. Bulwer admitted that certain accounts had not been accounted for, and was dismissed. A day or two later he made restitution of £76 6s 6d. Further deficiencies were discovered when books were audited and full restitution was made. Accused was at first employed as part-time clerk at £3 10s, and then given a full-time position at £4. The Government Audit Inspector stated that accused besides making restitution had paid £2O representing 20 per cent penalty for late payment of accounts. He was entitled to recover this sum. The police produced a statement in which accused admitted the offence and said that owing to his small wage he found himself getting into debt. He was unable to support his wife and family, and in January. 1927, commenced converting the money to his own use. lie was committed for sentence.