THEFT CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1933, Page 2

THEFT CHARGE

AGAINST COMPANY MANAGER. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. WELLINGTON, October 25. Horace John Aigar, 42 years of' age, a company manager, who was arrested in Sydney, was charged bel’ore Mr E. (Page, S.M., to-day, with stealing £143 3s 6d the property of R.. W. Swanger, and others. In evidence R. W. Swanger said that- accused was a partner with him and two others in a carrying firm. Accused was manager and witness secretary. The other two were lorry drivers. All were on an equal basis. It was decided to close the business cn the last day of September and divide equally about £2O left after the payment of hills. On September 30, at accused’s request, witness signed , a blank cheque, accused saying he wanted it to return some Customs duty to a customer. Later, accused told witness that the amount drawn was £l4O 3s 6d, That night witness communicated with the customer, who reported the matter to the police.

Evidence was given by a shipping clerk* concerning accused and anothei man booking a passage to Sydney by the Wanganella. The men gave tlx names of Aitken and Buckley. Evidence of accused presenting : cheque for £143 3s Od was given by a teller at the National Rank, The customer previously mentioned denied in evidence ever receiving money owed him, although, he had ask ed Alger several times for it. Accused was committed for trial on the charge of theft. He was fined £2 for being in illegal possession of a revolver.