MEN WITH PARCELS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 268, 12 November 1928, Page 5

MEN WITH PARCELS.

SEEN AFTER A ROBBERY.

ONE ASKED TO EXPL&HT.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

A barking dog and an observant woman had something to do with the arrest of Bertie John Christian (27), who appeared at the Police Court this morning on a charge of breaking and entering the warehouse of Sargood, Son and Ewen, Ltd., on October 22, and stealing clothing valued at £80. Mrs. E. Allen, of 41, Cook Street, said that she saw a window in Sargood s factory was open about 7.30 a.m. on Labour Day. That night her dog was restless and barked a good deal. Looking towards the factory, witness observed three men jump over the fence which separates the factory from a vacant section. Each man carried a parcel. Witness informed the police. She could not identify the accused as one of the men. The next witness was John Whittaker, who said that accused came into his restaurant in Victoria Street West on Sunday, October 21. He had a parcel with him, and offered witness a dozen aprons for 3/. Accused said they would "do for the missus." Witness refused the deal because he thought that the aprons were too cheap, and must have been dishonestly obtained. Constable Putt said from information he received while on duty about 9.45 p.m. on October 22, he went to Vincent Street, where he saw two men walking up the street, carrying a parcel. He overtook them and asked what I was in the parcels. The parcel which accused carried fell on the footpath, and the contents, comprising ladies' clothing, were revealed. The other man dropped his parcel and struck witness on the face with his fist, afterwards bolting down the street. Detectiv© Sneddon, who interviewed Christian after his arrest, said that accused explained that he met a man whom he only kuew as "John Smith.** This man asked him to carry some parcels. Christian pleaded not guilty, and vai committed to the Supreme for trial.