TO CLEAN CLOTHES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 261, 4 November 1929, Page 9

TO CLEAN CLOTHES.

LABOURER TAKES BENZINE.

THEFT CHARGE FOLLOWS,

"However absurd it might seem accused says that he, took the small quantity of benzine to clean his clothes before he left his work," said Mr. J. J. Sullivan, who appeared for Thomas Henry Bratton (32), a labourer, charged at the Police Court this morning with stealing half a gallon of benzine worth 1/1 belonging to Julian and Sons.

Sub-Inspector McCarthy said Bratton was working onone of Julian's jobs and said he wanted some petrol to clean his clothes. Although told not to take any, he got a tin and took half a gallon.

Counsel said Bratton had never been in trouble previously and had a good character. As the result of the case he had now lost his position with the firm. Hβ -was a married man with two children. He took the benzine quite openly to cle&s his clothes.

Pointing out to , the magistrate that only a few days ago he had discharged, without penalty, a man who stole a tram concession card from the university, Mr. Sullivan suggested that Bratton should receive similar treatment.

"This case if different," said Mr. Hunt. Bratton's offence was premeditated. However, the value of the benzine is small,-and he has borne a good record in the past. He will be discharged without penalty."