"ELECTRICAL MANIACS."

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 224, 20 September 1924, Page 6

"ELECTRICAL MANIACS."

I BOTS CHARGED WITH THEFT. MAGISTRATE ORDERS BIRCHTNGS. Three boys appeared before Mr. ft K. Hunt, S.M., at the Juvenile Court this morning, two -being charged with theft and the other with receiving. The charge of receiving was proceeded with first. Mr. Endean, who appeared for the accused, said he regretted not •being in a position to say anything on behalf of his youthful client, as he had been before the Court twice previously for theft, and was at present on two years' probation. The boy -was committed to the Auck" land Probation Home. In respect of the other two boys, who were older and bigger, they each pleaded guilty to 29 charges of theft. Mr. Thwaites appeared for ona offender and Mr. Goldwater for tha other. Senior Sergeant Rawle said that for a. couple of months past both accused had roamed around Devonport collecting electrical appliances and fittings, and had visited about eight launches where they removed bulbs and switches, and. in one case, a valuable battery. Bulbs were also taken from picture theatres and ferry boat-. Against both there was also a charge of theft of ■» portable telephone, a prismatic compass and other «»ear from the Defence Department's store shed at NarrowNeck, valued at £7 7/0. They seemed to have a kink for electrical equipment. The jroods stolen involved an amount of £26 12/5. All but £7 14/5 worth had been recoveredl When approached by a policeman, the elder of the two accused was quite frank and admitted the charges, with the exception of the one of theft from the Defence store. Unfortunately for the other boy he had not told the truth. Mr. Goldwater said that both boys were "electrical maniacs.*' Tn plr-adins; for his client, counsel said that he would not be likely to repeat the offences. He was a good boy and had a good home. His father had already thrashed him. Mr. Thwaites also pleaded for his client and asked that a conviction should not be recorded. Mr. Hunt: These boys arc well educated, and should know better. They have no need to thieve, and are a disgrace to their school. The oldest boy was convicted and ordered to receive eight strokes of the birth, while in the case of the other boy the Magistrate adjourned the case for three months, but ordered that he should receive six strokes. The charge of theft of goods valued at £7 7/6 from the Defence Store at Narrow Nek would be dismissed against both. An order was made requiring the parents to make restitution of £7 H/5.