RUNG THE CHANGES

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 68, 21 March 1934, Page 8

RUNG THE CHANGES

SHOWMAN'S OFFENCES DRUNKENNESS AN EXCUSE. u NEVER HAD A CHANCE" Described on the charge sheet in the Police Courts this morning as a showman, Robert Larkins, aged 39, pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing 10/, one on March f> and the other on March (i, and, on March •>, two charges of attempted theft of 10/.

Sergeant Flanagan said the offences committed -were what is known as

"rinsing the change." Larkins went into a citv shop at 9.40 on the night of March 'r and bought sixpennyworth of chocolates, tendering a 10/ note. Wheii handed 9/0 change, Larkins then asked the assistant for the 10/ note. As he did so lie placed tlfe 9/0 on the counter and added sixpence to tli./ amount. With the 10/ note on the counter he ollered the lot to the assistant and asked her to give him a £1 note, remarking that he did not want the change. lie thereby gained 10/ by the transaction.

"This trick worked at two shops, but at the others it did not," said Mr. Flanagan. "At one of the shops a constable was called in and Larkins returned the 10/. There is still another 10/ owing as restitution." Mr. J. J. Sullivan, who appeared for Larkins, said that unfortunately accused had been previously! convicted"Drink is his trouble, and when he gets a few drinks in he usually commits offences," added counsel. "Ho was drunk at the time of his arrest, ,and served 24 hours' imprisonment for drunkenness. He is a steady worker as a bnshman and although he has previously been in trouble I would ask that Larkins lie given a chance. I would suggest that he should lie prohibited. In view of his list, while it might be a daring experiment to give him a chance, it is one that would be in the interests of the man himself, as lie has never had a chance before- He has never been on probation."

The magistrate inquired at what time the four offences were committed.

"Always at night," said Senior Sergeant Flanagan. "lie was certainly arrested for drunkenness. He is a hard worker, and it is only when he comes to town from the country and takes drink that he gets himself into trouble." "It would be better if he remained out of town, then," said the magistrate. "Even if he were prohibited it would not prevent him from obtaining liquor if' lie wished."

The magistrate decided to give Larkins a chance, and he convicted him and ordered him to come up for sentence if called upon within two years, and to make restitution of 10/ and pay witnesses' expenses amounting to £1 4/. "Remember, Larkins, if you get into any further trouble you may be sentenced on the present charges," Mr. McKcan warned Larkins.