THE LATE EMBEZZLEMENT AT HOKITIKA.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 541, 12 August 1869, Page 2

THE LATE EMBEZZLEMENT AT HOKITIKA.

In the Resident Magistrate's Court, Hokitika, on Friday, Everard Whiting Jones was brought up, on remand, charged with having, when Curator of Intestate Estates, embezzled £IOO, moneys received by him as Administrator in the estate of one Calder, deceased. Mr Harvey appeared to prosecute, and Mr Reid for the prisoner. The following evidence was then given:—"Willian Duncan—l am an accountant in the Union Bank of Australia. I produce a deposit receipt in favor of one John Calder for the sum of £IOO. That receipt has been paid, on June 15, 1868, according to the endorsement, to Mr E. "W. Jones, administrator of the estate of John Calder, deceased. I know the writing on the endorsement, and, as far as I know, it is Mr Jones's signature. Robert Abbot—l am Curator of lutestate Estates for the "Westland district, and I produce my warrant of appointment. I had a conversation with the prisoner with respect to the estate of Calder, deceased. Mr Jones gavo me an account of his receipts and expenditure in the estate, but I was not satisfied with it, and I wrote to him on the 4th of May last, demanding a settlement. I received no answer about the £IOO until after the judgment was obtained. I did not get an account about the £IOO.

I had some information about the deposit receipt. I have never received the £IOO from Mr Jones. The name of Mr De Bourbell is on the back of the reeeipt. I believe that the money was received by the prisoner as De Bourbell's agent, Westland then being only a sub-district. I sued Mr Jones in this Court for the amount, and obtained judgment against him. I have asked Mr Jones for the money. Mr Jones said he had some counter claims against the Government. 0. Baddeley—l produce the confession of judgment. The prisoner was duly cautioned, and Mr Beid stated that he reserved his defence. r Jhe prisoner was then committed for trial at the next Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court, bail being taken for his appearance, himself in £IOO, and two sureties of £SO each. There were two other charges against the prisoner, but Mr Harvey was unprepared to go on with them, and he asked for a remand for a week. The prisoner was remanded accordingly-