PETTY PECULATION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 238, 24 May 1928, Page 5

PETTY PECULATION.

BY PUTAKURU OFFICIAL. Before Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., in the Putaruru court on Thursday, A. K. Day, an employee on the Putaruru station staff, was charged with misapropriating moneys belonging to the New Zealand Government. The accused pleaded guilty, and after hearing a resume of the evidence the charge was reduced to one .of common theft. Detective White (Hamilton) handled the case for the police, and Mr. G. G. Bell (Hampson and Bell) defended. The evidence showed that accused had entered the station office while the chief clerk was giving clearance to a train, and taken two £1 notes. When taxed with the offence he at first denied it, but later admitted the fact and refunded the money. - The detective held that accused did not appear-to realise the seriousness of the offence, but looked upon it as an escapade. So far as the police were aware it was his only offence. Mr. Bell objected to the police remarks, and pointed out that accused ffelt his position very keenly. His > parents were, to the time of their departure, amongst the most respected residents in the district. Accused’s wife had been sick and he had succumbed to sudden temptation. Owing to it being his first lapse he asked that probation be granted and that accused’s name be suppressed. Addressing accused in severe tones, the Magistrate stated that he felt he was fortunate in that he had been found out early and had not become a confirmed thief. In view of his counsel’s plea he would grant probation, but would make no order for the suppression of his name. The probationary period would be for 12 months.