THE CATHRO CASE.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 414, 25 March 1899, Page 2

THE CATHRO CASE.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Night. The case of alleged theft against W. N. Cathro, solicitor, is being heard. The line taken by the defence apparently is that the accused was a partner, and was accustomed, and had the right to deal with moneys passing through the hands of the firm, and the alleged offence was really a question of account. Mr Prior, however, denied that Cathro was a partner. Later.

In the Magistrate's Court, Walter Nicol Cathro was committed for trial on a charge of stealing £IOO, the property of his employer, John Prior, solicitor, of Fielding. The accused declared that Prior was indebted to him for a considerable sum of money. Cathro was then charged with stealing the sum of £ JOSO Ms 3d, money of the same John Prior. The latter said he kept a separate trust account in connection with loans under the Government Advances to Settlers' Act, he being agent for the Government Advances to Settlers Department. Accused was instructed by wituess to prepare a mortgage for an advance, and in connection with tkis business, he went to Wellington. Witness himself afterwards came to Wellington, and in consequence of what lie ascertained at the Bank of New Zealand, the information was laid chargiug Cathro. In this case accused was also committed for trial. It is understood that the third charge is to be abandoned. Similar bail as previously fixed, was allowed.