THE MARTIN CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1924, Page 3

THE MARTIN CASE.

JtnWI.KVS .Wl'KAl: \NTH [BY TELEGRAPH —I’EU PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CIIRISTCIIFRCIi, Fell. 7. This morning Mr Rowley was in attendance. Alter he had given evidence Mr Rowley explained his non-appear-ance yesterday. He said that as the originator of the proceedings aginsl Martin, it was scarcely likely that he would wish to be discourteous to the Court. He did not get his summons until Tuesday morning, and, as he had jiist come out of the hospital, billowing an operation, In* was very busy, lie thought it would he suflicient if the documents were sent to Christchurch. and lie telegraphed saving that lie was forwarding them, and suggesting that the local ollieer should la- present at the Court. the reply was that lie must appear ill person. The Bench said that I lie explanation put the matter in it dili'erent light. "We got the impression excuse the word that there Mas some eaiilaiikerousitess, ’ ’ said the Bench. Mr Rowley said: "Had the police been more explicit. I would have understood the necessity of being here.’’ 11, indicated that lie intended to lake tin' mailer further.

( OMMITTFI' FOR TUI At, ( HRISTCUFRCH. Feb. 7. 'lie* boaliiig el evidence in the barge, against Russell Bytes Martin ■as or.eluded to-day. The accused leaded "rot guiltlie was comlilted for 1 1 ial. Addressing the Bench. Mr Hunter iid |,e wished to refer to the charges •gai-tling the Simp Assistants’ Fnioii, mi that of making a false dcclara--1111 111 respect of the Bakers’ l'nion. egariling the others there was a mass I detail to go into, and he had not et had a full opportunity of examiin_ 'ho minute books. The Bench

would see. from the evidence in respect. of the alleged tiieit ot income of the Shop Assistants' Fnioii of 192122. that 1 In- accused was entitled to rl<> du< t bis salary, expenses, advertising costs, and possibly other amounts and it had boon mentioned that his salary was Li per week. The income was C3ld and L'.'US, and with £203 taken fur salary each year, there was only a balance of a little over £IOO. Comics] admit led that Marlin had not shown Mr Tesswill how his disbursements had been made. He submitted, however, that it was extraordinary that a man should ho charged with stealing his nun salary. Witneses had agreed thill lie was entitled to take his salaryout, but a high official would offer no opinion, it was unite obvious that Martin did not steal money. The books contained certain receipts, and I here was no suggestion that these had been falsified, so it could he ascertained what the amount was that accused was indebted to the 1 nion. 11 was true that he had been jumped on. and i rue that he was not a good bookkeeper. hut there was no proof of any criminality in respect of one cent. The rules of the Lilian staled that the Seeretai'v should hand over the cash to the Treasurer, but there was no Treasurer. There never had been, neither was there a banking account. The

members of the Fnioii were entirely apathetic, and left everything to the Secretary. Nothing could he clearer Than that the charges were incorrect, as the accused was entitled to deduct his salary and expenses. The charges should not go to the Supreme Court. Regarding the alleged false declaration in connection with the Bakers’ Union, tln* auditors were given as Johnston and Woods. How could the accused he blamed for putting their names in when he was going by minutes which had been confirmed. It would he absurd to send the charges to the jury.