THEFT AND ARSON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1548, 2 September 1905, Page 2

THEFT AND ARSON.

'(Per Psess Association.)^ Auckland, lasi nkght,

A young man named William Henry Cowan was oharged at the Police Court with haviDg oommitted the theft of £69 17s at Te Aroba on August 4th, having failed to pay the sama to several parlies, and a similar charge on August 4th at Morrinsville, involving a sum of £62 16s. William Geo. Meddings, inspeotor of telegraphs, stated in his evidenco that he employed aocueed in January last in charge of a number of men. It was part of his duty to keep the time-sheet and send it periodically to witness, who, after certifying to it, gave ihstraolione ta aecused to draw the amount stated and pay the men. The pay-sheet for the month of May was for £62 15s, whioh. was duly certified to and authority given, to Cowan to draw the money from the Morrinsville post office. At the end of July another sheet was sent for £64 17s. This was certified to in the usual way, and returned to acoused with' instructions to draw the amount from the money department of the Te Aroha post-office. After that, in consequence of what he had heard, ha (witness) laid an information against accused. Cowan joined the telegraph service about five years ago. He bad shown a good deal of ability and given -genera! satisfaction. Evidence as to acoused being brought back from Sydney after his arrest was given by Detective Beaiey. Acoused bad made statements admitting the offenoe he was charged witb r , and had done all in his power to assist the police. Cowan pleaded guilty and was committed for sentence, bail being allowed. . . J - Napier, last night.

At the Police Court to-day a youDg man named Frank Williamson , was oommitted to trial on charges of attempting tb set fire to Nelson Bros.’ store, Thaokeray street, and a dwelling in Craven Btreet. ,