AN OFFICER IN TROUBLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 52, 5 June 1916, Page 2

AN OFFICER IN TROUBLE.

Per Press Asspeia,tipn,.<, ~.4 , i,.i Auckland, June •">. In "tlio Supreme Court, Cecil Lytteltori■ Hawkins, formerly Adjutant "«f the 3rd Auckland Regiment, 'subsequently 'ah officer of the expeditionary force! and' latterly Ceneral at'DunecKu,'came up For sentence on leluveri 4liarg"e\s of theft and [[nn a--chargeijof forgery ami-uttering." Tii?.' offences, tt> which accused pleaded guilty in the lower'CMirt', arose while Hawkins, then a Captain, was administering regimental funds at Auckland between 1913 and 1014; Mr Justice Cooper said the money misappropriated amounted to a contiderable sum and extended., over so long a period, if, \ViVs>iinpQ^il)iol[iflirapply tin? First Offenders' Act, 'bub thpro were special' cireumstances whit'li ji'is-H-'' fad .treating' the matter in 'a special' ,way, ? .subject to certain conditions. First,-"absolute and complete, restitution must be made. For a considerable time the prisoner's mind Ivaii affected f by.; domestic, troubles, which .J to somo extent, were responsible for his financial muddle. He ordered accused to cowrie up for sentence when called upon. His character previously was good, and he had been an excellent officer! His Honor understood accused was prepared to serve his country and may be given an opportunity of rendering service.