STOLEN FROM WHARF SHED

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 22, 27 January 1928, Page 5

STOLEN FROM WHARF SHED

GOODS IN SHIP'S FORECASTLE

NINE FIREMEN SENTENCED.

(8/ Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday,

Nine firemen from the steamer Tairoa admitted in the Police Court to-day tlmt they received a bale of dress material and a box of soap, of a total value of £50, knowing the goods to have been dishonestly obtained.

A charge of breaking and entering a wharf shed and stealing goods valued at £127 was withdrawn.

It was stated that when the shed was opened the goods were mining and a search of the vessel revealed the goods in the forecastle.

It was explained that the men const!tuted a complete watch on the vessel, and the master was concerned as to his position if he were deprived of their services.

The Act evidently contemplated some such position, said the magistrate, and in the interests of the Dominion it was not desirable the men should remain imprisoned here. He said he realised it might not be adequate punishment—he did not think it w&s—but he proposed formally to sentence the men to one month's imprisonment and to order them to be placed on board the ship before she left Wellington. He thought that was preferable to having the men landed here. The Tairoa goes to Napier and then leaves for England.