PAWNED SAMPLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22960, 11 February 1938, Page 14

PAWNED SAMPLES

LAPSE BY CANVASSER TROUBLE DUE TO DRINK TERM AT ROTO ROA ISLAND "It appears that drink is! this man s trouble," said Detective-Sergeant MoHugh, when Richard Rowan McKee, farmer, aged 35, single (Mr. Brycc Hart), charged with the theft of ( a suitcase and samples, valued at £6 5s 3d, tho property of tho Kleeneozy Brush Company, appeared in the Police Court before Mr. I' 1 . K. Hunt, S.M., yesterday. Tho accused was also charged with failing to account to tho same company for £5 15s Id, thereby committing theft. Ho pleaded guilty to both charges. Mr. McHugh said accused had been' engaged by the company as a canvasser on January 7. ICor two weeks he reported as required, but then he began drinking. Ho pawned tho samples, but they had been recovered, although restitution of £1 was required by tho pawnbroker. The £5 15s Id should have been paid to the company, but was kept by tho accused. "I do not think the man has any criminal tendencies," said Mr. Hart, who added that tho accused had come from Ireland about five years ago. There ho had worked in a bank, and he held high diplomas. Until six months ago accused had an interest in a farm at Otorohanga. After giving it up ho went through £-100 in six months. When he was not drinking be bad a fine personality, but during his bouts ho was quite helpless. Mr. Hart said he had advised tho accused to go to the inebriates' home at Roto Roa Island. Tho accused said lie would go voluntarily to tho island. '.'That will make a new man of you," remarked tho magistrate, admitting the accused to 12 months' probation on tho first charge, on condition that ho went to the island. The accused was also ordered to make restitution of £6 15s Id and was convicted and discharged on tho second charge.