DECLINED TO TELL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 11

DECLINED TO TELL.

MAGISTRATE DEFIED.

REFUSAL JO DIVULGE NAME. YOTTNG MAN IMPRISONED. "I (don't think this man actually did steal the things, but is shielding someone and won't tell us," stated SeniorSergeant D. J. O'Neill at the Hastings Police Court, when Samuel Claude Joseph Allen was charged with receiving a saddle and fittings, valued at £15 15/, the property of H. A. Pattullo, knowing the same to have been dishonestly obtained. He pleaded guilty. The police officer stated that on September 3 last Mr. Pattullo placed a saddle and fittings in his harness room, but two days later they were missed. Inquiries were made, and. on September 17 the saddle was found in a saddlery in Hastings, having been left there for repairs. The accused was located at Taradale, and the fittiugs were found in his possession. He said that he received them from a man named "Jeffs," of Gisborne, who had sold them to him for £2. Subsequent inquiries showed that Jeffs had not been outside Gisborne.

"This man is of good character," added Senior-Sergeant O'Neill. "I am sure he is shielding someone, and will not eay who took the saddle." His Worship: Where did you get it from ? The Accused: I got it from a man. But who?—l can't say who it was. Can't you pronounce the name or won't you ? —I can't tell, because of the circumstances under which I got it. "You open up a serious position, you know," said his Worship. "Perhaps if I eend you to gaol for a month you might succeed in making up your mind to say who it was. You can't shield the thief in this way." His Worship decided to let the case stand down for a while to give the accused a further opportunity of giving the desired information. Upon the case being called in the afternoon, Senior-Sergeant O'Neill said that the mother of the accused had endeavoured to get the truth, but he had not given it. In fact, he started to tell another etory. "That's about the fourteenth," added the police officer. His Worship: Perhaps the fifteenth will be the true one. Do you still refuse to say from whom you got the goods? The Accused: Yes.

"Well, I can't stop a man from being a fool, but it opens up a serious position for you," said his Worship. "You have got a good record, but you are going the right way to spoil it. If you value your record, please say so, but if you don't, well, it doesn't very much matter."

The Accused: You can judge as you think fit.

His Worship: No, it's as you see fit. To put it plainly, you have a chance to get off lightly if you will only do as your mother wants you to do and tell the truth.

The Accused: I have nothing more to say. I take it that you do not mean that you can't tell me, but that you won't tell. Isn't that it?— You can take your choice.

No, it is not for me to make the choice. You can tell me if you would. Is that the position? —Put it that way if you want it like that. I don't want it my way. Could you tell me the name if you would?— Well, yes. His Worship: All right. You will be sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment. I'm sorry, but I can't do anything more for you. I am sorry to see you spoiling your good name, but if you will insist on being foolish, then I can do no more for you.