ALLEGED THEFT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 July 1924, Page 5

ALLEGED THEFT.

FROM RAILWAY STATION. EVIDENCE BY CLERK. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, July 3. Esmond Edwin ’ Rodburne Lntterill, aged 35, appeared at the Police Court to-day, charged with breaking and entering the counting-house of the Avondale railway station and stealing £SB 12s 4d, the property of the GoA'ernment. Charles Thomas Carleton, railway clerk, stated that in making up the cash he Avrote £25 on the back of a pound note. Mr McLiver (counsel for the accused): “Can you remember where you put the '£25 ’ on the note?” Witness: “No, I cannot.” ; ‘‘Will, you write the figures ‘£2s’ on this note of mine?” “Yes.” Witness then wrote the figures on Mr McLiver’s note. Counsel said:-“This is not the same writing as is on the note produced bv the police.” Mr McLivcr then proceeded to keep the note. Chief Detective Cummings: ‘T want that note to be put in.” ' Mr McLiver: “Oh. no! I have not shown it to witness.” The chief detective: “But von got him to write, the figures ‘£2s’ on your note. It must go in.” The magistrate ordered the note to he handed in as an exhibit, and My McLiver objected. A resident of Ponsonby said that on a Sunday morning accused called at witness’ home and said he Avas cold and freezing. He asked for a cup of tea. Accused asked witness if he would say accused slept at witness’ place on the Saturday night, to which the Avitness replied that accused did not sleep at witness’ place that night. Evidence Avas given that the accused * otslee » the hotel on the night of the robbery, saying he had been, at !6nd s. Evidence was also given that accused got change for 48 halfcrowns, and asked another man to change £2 Avorth of sil\ T er. A detective’s evidence was to the eftect that on searching accused’s room accused produced a 10s note, £3 Avorth of silver, and a roll of notes, and said at the same time: “You have ? n ™, e - [ won this at the June meet! " ltness noticed the note marked ’£2s’ and also the torn note. Accused said: “You think you are smart You ha\ r e shadowed me for two years but you haA r e not trapped me A’et.” ’ Accused when searched had 25 £1 notes nine 10s notes, and £2 3s 2d in silver and copper. Accused pleaded not guiltv, and reserved bis defence. He was committed “T trial. On the application of Mr McLn-er bail Avas reduced from £IOOO to £SOO.