"SENT TO COVENTRY."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 75, 30 March 1929, Page 6

"SENT TO COVENTRY."

DISHONEST CHINESE FINED.

STOLE FROM COUNTRYMAN.

INNOCENT HINDU SUSPECTED

Kcw Wan (23), a Chinese, arrested yesterday by Acting-Detective Stevenson on a charge of stealing a watch and chain, gold sovereign case, and American gold piece, of a total value of £16, the property of Charlie Hong Jong, pleaded guilty when he appeared at the Police Court this morning. Mr. Ah Kew, solicitor, who appeared for Kew Wan, said accused had been out of work for some time. He wanted to raise sufficient money to pay his fare, to Hamilton, and afterwards proceed to Temuka, in the South Island, to see his brother, who wa3 ill. He succumbed to temptation by stealing the watch and other articles when visiting Jong's fruit shop. It was his intention to first go to Hamilton and get enough money to redeem the jewellery, which he had pledged, and then post it anonymously to Jong. "Chinese might gamble and smoke opium," said counsel, "but dishonesty is : looked upon as a serious offence by our race. Accused will be severely dealt with by the Chinese themselves, and afterwards sent to the country. In fact, Kew Wan will be to Coventry.'" Chief Detective Hammond stated that after stealing the jewellery, accused pledged it for £3 15/. "Tt so happened that the. day he visited Jong's shop, a Hindu was inspecting it with an idea of purchasing, and. of course, he was suspected as the thief," said Mr. Hammond. ''We had to overhaul the Hindu, who was quite perturbed about it. He was innocent, and bad feature of this case 13 that suspicion fell on him." Mr. W. R. McKean. S.M.. imposed a fine of £"i on Kcw Wan and ordered him to mnke full restitution, in default, two months , imprisonment.