GOING THE PAGE

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4513, 15 November 1884, Page 2

GOING THE PAGE

How a Fast Young Man Robbed

His Employers,

An interesting case has just received elucidation at the hands of Detective Walker, and the result of the investigation should go far to explain- how shop assistants on small salaries can afford to dress extravagantly, spend freely, and make costly.presents to their favourite barmaids. During the course of his matutinal peregrinations the other day, the detective found his way into the billiard-room of the Nevada Hotel. The billiard-marker and a youth of mashorliko appearance wore engaged in a friendly game at the time, and the attention of the detective was insensibly drawn to the latter. There was something suspicious inhis appearance, and aftorwatching him for a time the detective concluded that he was "going the pace," and that he was so far incapable of controlling his own affairs that some assistanc from the department would be desirable. He communicated his suspicions to no barman, who, however, was high in his praises of the generous stranger. This was not surprising, as from the barman's own statement tho youth had been spending money freely, and had presented him with a beautiful silk handkerchief, as a token of his esteem. Detective Walker examined the handkerchief and had no difficulty in ascertaining that the young fellow had cemented other friendships with similar unconsidered trifles of silks and laces. Proceeding qufotly to work, he found qs the result of several days' inquiries tljat barmaids in various hotels had profited to the extent of presents of silk stockings and neckerchiefs, while soft goods had been plentifully distributed in all directions. It soon transpired that the stranger was a shopman employed by the Melbourne Clothing Company, and that his name was Harry, Moody. Mr Woodruffe, .the' manager of tho Company, was communicated with, and it was found that he also entertained feelings of distrust towards Moody. This morning, Mr Woodruffe called Moody into his room, and taxed him with dishonesty, but hie indignantly denied the accusation. Dotectlve Walker, who was waiting outside 'by arrangement, was then called in, and Moody, seeing his game was up, confessed all and cried for mercy. He was taken into custody by the detective, and a search of his lodgings, in Victoria-street, having been made, a largo quantity of .soft goods was "discovered in boxes and drawers. " It was plainly, apparent that Moody had been systematically robbing his employers for ; some time past. Mr Woodruffe claimed between £20 and £30 worth of the good.s, fwhile Mr S. Cpombes f in whose,employ the was several weeks ago, found a number of articles which he identified as his property. Moody, who is a recent arrival from the old * country) has been brought"lip at the Police Court'and remanded. ~ , ~~, ~,., „