A Clever Absconder

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 53, 13 October 1885, Page 3

A Clever Absconder

Considerable excitement was caused in business circles as Adelaide by a rumor that the public trustee (Henry A. Wood had absconded with a large sum of money belonging to the intestate estate of Mary Ann Bryan. The high position held by Mr Wood in the Civil Service placed him almost beyond suspicion. He was appointed public trustee in January 1881, and since that time has discharged his duties satisfactory, and lias always been considered a hardworking and trustworthy officer. Considerable apprehension exists in regard to the ultimate results of the investigations into his accounts which are now being carried on by the Government. Early in June he received two months' leave of absence, and on the Bth left for Melbourne, and since then his wife has received one letter dated June 23, bearing the post-mark of Auckland, in which he expressed his interest in the management of his office, but gave no indication of any intention to return. Wood held a deposit note for L 7,048, the amount of Mrs Bryan's estate, and with the aid of an accomplice, a woman named Kate Burnett, he cashed the deposit note, which was afterwards transferred to the Bank of New South Wales in Burnett's name. She got a draft for L 6,300 on Melbourne and when in Melbourne applied for a draft for the remaining L3OO. Subsequently an error of 10s was discovered in connection with the transactions between the banks, and this discrepancy was the means of Wood's fraud being discovered so early. It was surmised (continues the 'Argus telegram) that Wood, who. Jeft for Melbourne a few days after Mrs Burnett, met her m Melbourne, and that, having withdrawn the lump sum, they decamped together to Auckland. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of both, Wood on a charge of embezzlement, and the woman on a charge of forgery. The Government have offered a reward of LoOO (since increased to Ll,000) for their arrest.