IN OWNER'S ABSENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 278, 24 November 1938, Page 22

IN OWNER'S ABSENCE.

ONEHUNGA HOME OCCUPIED. POLICE WATCH , SUCCESSFUL. Following complaints that an Oneliuriga residence was being occupied at night by unauthorised persons during sthe absence of the owner, police kept a watcli and later apprehended a MaQri girl, about 19 years of age, in the house. The girl is alleged to" have stated that two other Maori girls had occupied the house on previous occasions. Mrs. Sarah Wilson, a widow, was horn in the house over 80 years ago, and has lived there ever since. Two months ago she decided, owing to ill-health, to live with her daughters, one of whom visited the house weekly to collect mail. On the last of these visits it was found that the rooms were in disorder. Two l>cds had the appearance of having been slept ill and there was a pile of unwashed dishes. These apparently were the result of a number of meals, at each of which new crockery was used and then put aside. All the preserved foodstuffs had been used and the empty tins were left lying about. A quantity of Mrs. Wilson's clothing was also missing. The matter was reported to the police, and a watch was kept. About 11 o'clock a constable saw a young Maori woman enter by the back door. As there were no other intruders the constable forced an entrance at 3 a.m. after he had knocked and been refused entry. The girl, it is alleged, gave, the name of two companions, both girls about her own age.

Entrance to. the house was made in the first place by breaking a window at the back and releasing the bolt.