A Strange Affair.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 640, 30 July 1891, Page 2

A Strange Affair.

FOR some days past there have been very ominous reports concerning the absence of the Secretary of the Gisborne Building Society, F. J. Piesse. He had gone on a trip to Auckland, but no great importance was attached to that. He had left Mr Ratcliffe in temporary charge, and there was no indication of any kind that would give rise to suspicions, but the absence led to an in. vestigation of the accounts. The books apparently were in good order, but on comparing the entries with the Bank deposit receipts it was found that various sums had not been banked, or that the total had been subtracted from. On the last occasion of banking as much as £Bl had been deducted in this way. On careful investigation being made the deficiency so far as could be ascertained amounted to £3 io > 60 auditors certify. Mr Piesse left for Auckland on July 12. He was seen on board the San Francisco boat Alameda, but as he would naturally like to inspect the vessel as other Gisbornites had done nothing was necessarily attached to that circumstance, though one gentleman said that he had seen him actually leave by the boat. Enquiries were soon made without any definite result. The shortage in the amounts banked dates from the latter part of February. The sureties were the late Mr S. Locke and Lieutenant-Colonel Porter, each for £250. The latter surety feeling the responsibility of his position on recent developments, had applied to be relieved from it, and permission had been granted, conditionally 'on other

bonds being arranged, and there was actually in course of negotiation a bond of /jog with the Standard Fidelity Comp'any. It only awaited the signature of a gentleman who was absent from Auckland when it was to have been put Into effect. Mr Piesse was also agent for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company, Secretary to the Gisborne School Committee, and also Secretary to thg Park Company. Mr Piesse had long been a resident of Gisborne, his family being highly respected, and much sympathy will be felt on their behalf. At one time he resigned his position of Borough Councillor in the hope of being appointed Town Olerk, and was nearly appointed, while later on he hid the same experience. He was selected U special Borough auditor in connection with the recent defalcations, end was again an unsuccessful applicant for the position 0l Town Clerk, It is hoped that the Building Society shareho'dare will not suffer more 101 l thin the Interest on deposits. A general meeting Will be held at in early date.