1000 FEET OF GAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 199, 23 August 1926, Page 5

1000 FEET OF GAS.

WHO BEAT THE COMPANY? BOARDERS IN THE HOUSE. TUBE ON THE METER. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") CHRISTCHURCH, this day. At the Magistrate's Court, James Mowbray was charged with the theft of 1000 feet of gas, the property of the Christchurch Gas Co. Mr. Cuthbert, for the company, said the meter was disconnected and another piece of tube was attached, the gas passing through it not being registeredMr. Sargeant, for accused, said he had resided in Christchurch for very many years and had not been before the Court previously- Some months ago his wife was introduced to two women, but it was discovered recently that one was on probation for false pretences. "Mrs. Mowbray had been impressed," said MrSargent, "and I have here a cheque butt for £5000 which she was shown when these women suggested that they might take a room. Mrs. Mowbray was delighted at the prospect of having such wealthy people in the house, and jumped at it. These women were to pay 10/ a week plus gas. Apparently they did some washing at nights and they attached a tube to the meter. Mrs. Mowbray must have known but she did not tell her husband- These women were the cause of dissension in the house, and Mowbray insisted that they should leave. These evil geniuses then went to the Gas Company and gave information that gas was being stolen. Mowbray, when he learned of it, told the company all about it and wrote stating that he would take the blame- Not only did these vcomen do that, but they did not pay their board and also borrowed £60, so "it was a very unfortunate day for Mowbray when his [ wife met tnem. Mr. Cuthbert said they had nothing i but Mowbray's word about the two women. Accused was fined £3.