ABUSED HIS TRUST.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18442, 28 March 1922, Page 2

ABUSED HIS TRUST.

DISHONEST POSTAL EMPLOYEE. COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE. Cecil H. Pugh, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning before Messrs. Gower and Dixon Justices of Peace, that on different dates between January 4 and February 28 of this year, he did steal £lO5 I/, the property of the New Zealand Government. Detective-Sergeant D. Cameron said that accused was a postal official. Part of his duty was to collect the money from commercial houses where stamping machines had been installed. He gave receipts for certain moneys but failed to pay it in at the time. Subsequently he had macle reparation and the whole of the money had been paid in. Christian G. Otto, acountant at the Money Order Office, Wanganui, said accused joined the service in 1911. He went to the war in 1914, and in 1919 returned to the postal service. Accused’s duty was to read the stamping machines at business premises and receive the money. Witness described the method of collecting the money and the duties required of accused in accounting for the money. Reparation was made two days’ after the irregularities were discovered.

Detective Sergeant Cameron gave evidence and said that some days after accused was arrested he made a confession. He gave every assistance in clearing the matter up. Prior to the irregularities being discovered accused had arranged for restitution to be made.

Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court at Wellington for sentence. Accused was allowed bail on condition that he reported daily to the police.