Southby Slipped

NZ Truth, Issue 1141, 13 October 1927, Page 7

Southby Slipped

AT the age of 19 William Thomas Southby found himself a prisoner m the dock of the Wellington Supreme Court last week to receive sentence for helping himself to the funds of the State Coal Depot m Clyde Quay. Before Mr. Justice MacGregor, he stood with bowed head while his counsel, Lawyer Wallace, pleaded for probation. Southby had borrowed to cover up deficiencies, .said counsel, but when the defalcations were discovered he gave every assistance m clearing up the matter. Prisoner was only 19 years of age and only two years from high schoof. The position he held was not one for a boy of his age. "It seems to me," remarked Lawyer Wallace^ "to be a job for a man with more experience." As the money had been refunded, he asked that prisoner be admitted to probation, stating that the probation officer said it appeared to be a case where such treatment would be a success. His honor was also inclined to this view, observing that Southby appeared to be a good lad and repentant. He admitted him to probation for a period of two years on payment of costs.