METER READER’S THEFTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 789, 9 October 1929, Page 6

METER READER’S THEFTS

FAILED TO ACCOUNT FOR £23 From Our Own Correspondent WAIHI, Today. Charged with failing to account to the Thames Valley Electric-Power Board for sums of money totalling £23 8s 2d, and thereby committing theft, Cju'il Edward James Gwilliam, aged 29, of Paeroa, a meter reader employed by the board, appeared in the Waihi Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Mr. F. W. Platts, S.M.

Sergeant Calwell said that accused during the last month had kept for his own use various sums of money collected, mostly in and about Waihi. The defalcations were discovered almost immediately by the auditor, who called at the head office at Te Aroha. Nothing was previously known against accused, who had made a clean breast of the matter. Mr. C. N. O’Neill, of Paeroa, for accused, described the case as an unfortunate one. Gwilliam had bought two sections in Paeroa and had found it difficult to meet his obligations because of unforeseen circumstances that had arisen and had used the money to meet instalments, knowing that he would be in a position to replace It this month. Accused had been dismissed from his position and had already paid heavily for his indiscretion. Restitution had been made. Accused was placed on probation for six mouths.