PILLAGED CARGO.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1922, Page 5

PILLAGED CARGO.

HARBOR OFFICIAL CHARGED. SERIES OF THEFTS ALLEGED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Shipping companies in Wellington and several importing firms carrying on business in this city have suffered considerable loss for some time past through the extensive cargo pillaging that has been taking place on the waterfront. Following an investigation by police authorities, a search of a Harbor Board employee’s house revealed a large store of missing property, w:th the result that this morning John Madson appeared before the Court on thirteen charges of theft and one of receiving stolen goods. According to Chief Detective Kemp. Madson joined the Wellington Harbor Board’s staff on November 14, 1906, and for the past sixteen years he had Deen deployed in various branches. From August 1, 1919, to October, 1921. he was in charge of I shed on Queen’s Wharf, which was used for the examination of refused eases—goods stopped for examination by the Customs for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of duties to be paid on merchandise and goods banned on account of German manufacture. While controlling this shed it was Madson’s duty to open cases to see that they were securely fastened after being examined, and also to keep the goods from being tampered with by unauthorised persons. From October, 1921, until the time of bis arrest, accused was in charge of P shed, as during that month the Harbor Board had decided to discontinue the use of I shed as an examination store, and so transferred the work to new premises, where Madson resumed his duties. As formerly he was receiving 17s a day, making his wages £5 2s a week. The date of the first offence was June, 1920, and of the last theft October 10, 1922. The amount of goods involved in the charge totalled £205 13s fid, but the total pillage amounted to £556 3s. In all except three it was intended to prove that the goods passed through Madson’s shed. Many witnesses were called, and they identified as their property articles alleged to have been found in the possession of accused. The hearing of what is likely to prove a lengthy case has not concluded.