Stock Deficits and Surpluses
When stock is correctly taken there should always be a surplus.
Any surplus shown by the stock account, is the property of the club. No monies received by the steward in connection with the club’s business can be his property, their duty is to pay over all monies received.
A stock surplus in one month cannot be offset against a deficiency in another except in very special circumstances. For example, the stock account of a club which receives an average surplus of £200 a month might on an occasion show a £200 deficiency. The following month’s account might show a £400 surplus which would make the average right for the two months. The stock deficit might be explained by an error in stock-taking but wide discrepancies should always be a source of suspicion and may require additional supervision and/or instruction to the steward.
Surplus Belongs to The Club. In a case involving a club, Judge Frankland stated:
“It was a fallacy to suggest that, assuming the stock account figures to be honest, a surplus wiped out a previous deficiency. Assume that six stocks are taken between January and June in any year, and that three show a deficiency and three a surplus, it is a complete fallacy to suggest that the surplus can be set off against the previous deficiency. The root of the fallacy is that the surplus can ever be the steward’s money. He is responsible for the deficiency, and he is responsible for the money of the club. He is never entitled to any surplus which may be shown. A steward’s surplus has no relation to any previous deficiency assuming the figures are honest.”