THEFT OF MONEY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 54, 26 November 1921, Page 8

THEFT OF MONEY

ACCQSEBI PLEADS GUILTY. By TelcEranh—Press Association. Dunedin, November 25. Donald Martin MacFadyen, late manager for Lazarus Wolfe Balkind, & moneylender with business in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, was coiijmitted for sentence on a charge of fraudulently converting to his own use 4515 7s. 3d. ' - , Evidence for the complainant showed that accused had been his manager since 1917. Letters were read showing accused: confessed to Balkind of misappropriations, and Balkind stated that he had stolen more since the date of the letter, and also lost him Thousands by lending to any individual that asked. After the first defalcation two years since, MacFadyen was given twb or three months to wind up the Dunedin business, he to receive 43 per week till that was done. The first arrangement was that the accused received 25 per cent, net of the profits. , Questioned by accused’s lawyer about the letters found, which witness refused to hand over, Balkind said the, letters showed accused made arrangements with bookmakers and showed where some of the stolen money had gone. Detective Palmer produced a statement by accused admitting that he had converted to his own use an amount totalling 41500, Balkind allowing him to sß>p on at 43 per week till the shortage was paid off. On May 21 he reported to Balkind further defalcations.

. Accused first pleaded not guilty, but afterwards changed his plea to one of guilty.