CO129-560-7 Permission to write off money stolen or embezzled 19-2-1937 - 14-6-1937 — Page 16

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'phoned the office to say he would be late. At about 2.30 p.m.

Chan not having 'phoned or returned, Mr. Costa with the aid of

the Technician, broke open Chan's drawer in which he found

the paying-in slips and cheques, but no cash. Chan's second

drawer containing his personal belongings was open and empty.

While the drawer was being opened Mr. Reed 'phoned down

to enquire about the bank receipt. Mr. Costa then informed

him that Chan had not returned whereupon Mr. Reed came down

to make enquiries.

5. During the early part of yesterday afternoon I was at

Kai Tak Aeradio where at 2.55 p.m. a telephone message was received from the Radio Office informing me of Chan's

non-appearance. I got into touch with Mr. Mills who already

had the matter in hand and returned to the office to find

Police enquiries in progress.

6. For many years the procedure in force has been for the

shroff on his return from the bank to personally take the

bank receipt to the Accountant who, if it is not returned

to him within a reasonable time, makes any enquiries he

considers necessary. The shroff is usually away from the

office for half an hour or forty minutes if the bank is

unusually busy. The question of the shroff personally

returning the bank receipt to the Accountant's office was

raised by Chan only a week or ten days ago when he grumbled

at having to do this and asked if a messenger could be

instructed to return it. He was then told it was his duty

to personally return the receipt.

7. With reference to para 2 of your minute it has not been

the practice, nor have any instructions been issued on this

point, for any member of the Counter staff to see the bank

receipt, it being assumed that if the shroff making the

payments into the Bank returns to duty in time for the tiffin

relief and in the absence of any enquiries from the Accountant