CASE DISMISSED

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1933, Page 5

CASE DISMISSED

CHARGE OF THEFT AGAINST EX-COUNTY ENGINEER. fPe Prest Association — Copyright.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 28. In' the case in which Edward Butt, ex-engineer clerk, . wag charged with theft, the greater part of the day was taken up with the evidence of the County Chairman, William Gilmour, who said Butt had taken various aytiidlos .(from the (council yard without permission. Witness was subjected to ,nl (long cross-examination by Mr Thomas, counsel for, the defence. Witness said Butt had been given permission to take certain articles mentioned on the list. 'Mr .Thomas to witness; A,nd you cannot tell us what were in the lists you mentioned?—No. Counsel : But you went out to the yard and saw what this man—this thief if you like—'had taken thirteen or fourteen tie rode, whereas you had said he should take six?—Yes. Counsel: And found a lot of posts •and stringers missing?—We knew there Was a lot of timber missing. Counsel: And you knew lie said be had taken certain tools ?—No. He didn't say. Counsel: He told you he was taking certain tools from the place ?—Yes. Counsel: Well,'it hag taken us a long time to get that. A The charges were dismissed after 'Twee councillors had given evidence. The defence on the cross-examina-tion of witnesses, led evidence to show that Butt claimed the articles taken as his own, and had notified the Chairman of his intention to take them. jßutt m?ide a list for the council of articles that he took. , The Magistrate, Mr Mosley, said he was far from satisfied that anything in the nature of theft had been committed. The Magistrate dismissed the charges, and ordered the goods seized to be returned to Butt.' 4 *' >