CLERK’S LAPSE

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 10

CLERK’S LAPSE

BOARD'S MONEY USED FOR SICK WIFE [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September, 24. The town clerk of Glen Eden, Cecil Richard Wilkinson (361, appeared before Mr Hunt to-day, charged with the theft of money totalling £390, The Government auditor, Wallace Spencer Thorpe, gave evidence of a visit of inspection to the Town Board office on Tuesday last, when accused said there would be a shortage of over £3OO. With Wilkinson’s assistance witness discovered a deficiency of £390. Replying to Mr Bryce Hart, who appeared tor accused, witness said that apart from this lapse he had always found Wilkinson a very efficient officer. He understood that he was receiving £5 weekly. There was no safe at the office and the clerk had often to take the money home. Detective Wilson gave evidence that accused, in a statement, said 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, and later resorted to gambling and ’racing, • hoping to retrieve his position. Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was allowed in £IOO. In .'.oplying for bail Mr Hart said accused’s wife had been in hospital for fourteen months.