"HOW CAN THEY LIVE?"

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 70, 24 March 1931, Page 9

"HOW CAN THEY LIVE?"

MAGISTRATE'S QUESTION.

TWO WOMEN , SHOPLIFTERS.

STOLE - CHILDREN'S CLOTHING,

Two married women, both in poor circumstances and mothers of large I families, appeared at the Police Court this morning to admit shoplifting charges. In each case the magistrate granted an application by Major Gordon for an order for suppression of names. One woman admitted stealing five pairs of children's shoes, a child's frock, an underskirt and a handbag, of a total value of £4, from three shops, and the other admitted the theft of two pairs of children's shoes valued at 10/5. Detective-Sergeant Kelly eaid both women resided in the Avondale district. One met the other in a bus coining to the city yesterday afternodn. They alighted at Karangahape Road and went into one store where the thefts were committed. Later they visited two other shops, and one woman 6tole from each place. They were detected and readily admitted the thefts. "Both are in poor circumstances and neither has ever been in trouble before," said Mr. Kelly. "One of these women has six children and pays £1 10/ per week rent," said Major Gordon. "Her husband is a. casual worker. The case o" tlie other woman is more unfortunate. She is-the mother of 10 children. Her husband has been earning £3 per week, but is also a casual worker. They pay rent of £1 10/ per week. "How can such people live on £3 per week and pay £1 10/ rent," said Mr. Hunt. "Hae cither of these women appealed for assistance?" Major Gordon replied that they had not. She intended to take up their cases and assist them. The magistrate adjourned both cases for one month.