“TEMPORARY LOAN.”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5486, 11 October 1929, Page 2

“TEMPORARY LOAN.”

POWER BOARD’S FUNDS. RESTITUTION MADE. Cyril Edward James Gwilliam, aged 29, of Paeroa, was charged in the Waihi Police Court on Tuesday with failing to account for various sums of money amounting to £23' 8s 2d, the property of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. Sergeant Calwell said accused had been employed as meter-reader by the board. During the last month, particularly in the Waihi district, he had retained certain sums. The defalcations had been discovered immediately by the auditor, who happened to be in the head office at Te Aroha. Accused, when interviewed at Paeroa by the Police, made a clean breast of it. He had since made restitution. Mr O’Neill made a strong plea on behalf of accused, saying he had looked upon the money he had retained as a temporary loan. He had bought two sections of land at Paeroa, upon which he intended to build a house, and he had arranged to pay £l4O on account of the purchase within twelve months. At the time he could see his way clear to do so, but additional personal expenses followed upon tfie enlargement of his district, and rather than ask for a concession he had used the board’s money. .He had made a note of the various amounts, knowing he could cover them this month.

Counsel said accused had since lost his position. Mr F. W. Platts, S.M., said it was exceedingly unfortunate that a young man of good position and character should act as accused had done. It was apparent that he did not appreciate the fact that he held a position of trust.

Accused was convicted, and placed on probation for six months. An application for the suppression of his name was refused, the magistrate saying that the charge was not an isolated instance, but that the amount comprised several small sums taken on different occasions, and that publicity was part of the punishment.