BOYS IN TROUBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 142, 17 June 1936, Page 8

BOYS IN TROUBLE.

ATTEMPTED CONVERSION. ONE GRANTED PROBATION. A youth of 3 7 came before Mr. W. R. MrFonn, S.M., in the Police Court this mi :iing, charged with unlawfully attempting on June 11, to convert to his own use a motor car valued at £100. Accused, who was represented by Mr. Brvce Hart, pleaded guilty. Sub-Insp; ctor Fox, who prosecuted, said that at one o'clock on the morning of .Tune 11. Constable Kcilly, while on duty at Newmarket, was told by a postal official that a youth was seen to be loitering about a motor car parked in Remuera. The constable went to the car and found that accused was a few yards away from a parked car. The constable questioned the youth, but found his answers unsatisfactory. The constable also questioned a boy of 13 who came, up near the car. Later, both admitted that they wanted the car to travel to the King Country. "Undoubtedly an attempt was made to" take the. parked car, but no driving or damage was done," added Mr. Fox. "This youth now charged has been working in Parnell and has been staying with his married sister who lives nearby. His mother resides in Ponsonby, and it has been his custom to go home for the week-ends. He has once previously come under our notice, in 1034, when he was charged, before the Children's Court' with theft, being admonished and discharged. Tho other boy of 13 has been already dealt with by the Children's Court." Mr. Hart said that although it might seem strange the boy of 13, it was suggested, was the prime mover in the escapade. Accused had never driven a motor car in his life, whereas the younger boy had already converted a car to his own use. "My client's youthful confrere made the suggestion that they should take a car and go to the King Country," said counsel. Accused was regularly employed in Parnell, but now his father, who had a timber mill in the King Country, was anxious to give him employment at 9/ v a day, and take him away from his undesirable friends. .■ Mr. McKean said he had received *a favourable report from the Probation Officer. "It seems extraordinary that this youth should be influenced by a boy of 13," said Mr. McKean. "The Probation Officer's report is favourable in this case, and I will admit him to probation for two years, on the understanding that-he goes to work in his father's mill," said the magistrate.