NOT UPHELD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 16, 20 January 1933, Page 3

NOT UPHELD.

RELIEF WORKERS CHARGED. f CASE OF MISUNDERSTANDING. "I don't know why this charge against these two men was ever brought," remarked Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., in tho Police Court this morning, after hearing the police evidence against two Birkenhead relief workers,, charged with stealing a quantity of timber, valued nt £1 4/0, belonging to the Birkenhead Borough Council. Mr. A. M. Goulding, representing both men, who pleaded not guilty, said the fault was not with the police in bringing the charge. "I am sure that if the police had been fully informed of the position, they would not have prosecuted," he added.

Tlie foreman for the council stated ifi evidence that defendants had moved some pine timber from the side of Domain Road. Although some timber had been given to the relief workers, tliey had no permission to take other timber. The timber taken by defendants had been cut by relief workers in the council's time

A relief worker, called by the police, said he was cutting up some timber when one of the two defendants asked hbn where the wood was. "I said (pointing to one pile of wood), that's mine and that other pile belongs to the council. I don't care who takes that," added the witness. (Laughter;.

Mr. Goulding: Are you aware that pea-mission was given by one of the councillors for relief workers to take wood?— Yes, I heard that said.

Mr. Goulding called Henry Archibald Campbell, a member of the Birkenhead Borough Council. He said clearing work had been going on in Domain Road, and much wood was lying about the roadside. Witness saw Councillor Hewson, chairman of tlie works committee, and permission had been given to all Birkenhead relief workers to take the wood. cr^TC ' fact, the relief workers had every right to the wood, and we were anxious to assist them," said Mr. Campbell.

The magistrate then dismissed the charge against both men.