ALLEGED THEFT

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 90, 13 October 1932, Page 6

ALLEGED THEFT

WAYSIDE CLUB CASE:*

Pleading not guilty to a charge of stealing £100 8s 6Jd the property' ;of the Wayside Club, an organisation :for the relief of distress associated with the Commonwealth Land Party, Ernest John McDonald, ex-secretary of the club, was committed to the Supreme Court for trial by Mr. E. Page, S.M.,~at tho Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon. In a statement maa© to the police' McDonald admitted that he had received til* money, but held that he owed tho club nothing, as ho was entitled to the sum of £90 as wages, and had paid out £27 16s lid as expenses in connection with the club. Tho leader of the Commonwealth Land Party, Mr. E. W. Nicolaus,-said in evidence - that tho accused's claim for wages v;is absolutely ridiculous and without light or foundation. The accused's position was always an honorary one, and that had been undeistood by everyone. Tho minutes of the meeting .relating to his appointment stated that ho was*.,appointed hon. secretary, and therevwas no mention of salary. Witness produced letters written and signed by McDonald as lion, seerotary of tho club. Mr. Xieoliins stated that on tho afternoon of 19th September he received a telephone message from the accused asking if it would make any; difference with regard to witness going on with the case if he (th& accused) could find the sum of £20' or £30, which he said, he had a fair chance of doing The accused said he could not possibly find the full amount. Witness replied that it would make no difference as the caso was out of his hands, but it might mitigate things so far as the accused was concerned. The accused replied that he did not think restitution would make any difference, as he bad road of a ease of a man who had made restitution and had received treatment as if he had not made it. Witness said that the accused also asked for a character reference in order that he might obtain a job, but witness refused. ■ , . , • After hearing other evidence the Magistrate committed the accused for trial. Referring to a charge- of theft of £15 19s 4d from the Commonwealth Land Party, and one of obtaining 10s 6d front Walter McLay by falsely representing that he had- authority to collect on behalf of ; the Wayside Club to which McDonald, pleaded ouiity' Mr. Page said that it would be* more in the interest of the accused -to 'postpone consideration, of. the summary mattors until the main charge had come before the Supreme Court. , Her therefore adjourned tho two cases until 9th November. . v

The accused was admitted to bail on a bond of £100 with one surety of £100, or two of £50 each. He was ordered to report daily to the police.'