"NEEDS A HIDING"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 173, 24 July 1941, Page 8

"NEEDS A HIDING"

YOUTH WHO TOOK CAR

S.M. GRANTS PROBATION

"What this young fellow needs is a good hiding," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court to-day, when dealing with Frederick Thomas Milburn, aged 17 years and 9 month.s. who appeared on summons and pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully converting to his own use, on June 23. a motor car valued at £200, the property of Dr. N. M. Cameron.

Detective-Sergeant Nalder said Milburn and another youth of 16 (who is to appear before the Children's Court) decided to take a car and go to Rotorua. About 3.30 a.m. on June 23 they went to Dr. Cameron's garage and drove away in his car to Rotorua. Both took turns at driving. Arriving at Rotorua, they abandoned the car in a concealed place, and the vehicle was not found until June 27. Dr. Cameron did not get possession of his car until the following day and had to go to the expense of sending a man to Rotorua to bring it to Auckland.

"When located by the police, Milburn had a bunch of motor car keys in his possession," added Detec-tive-Sergeant Nalder. "He says the other youth suggested to him that they should get a car and drive to Rotorua. Our inquiries show that to be the case. Milburn is in a good job and is earning £2 10/ per week. He is one of a family of 13 and his record, up to now, has been quite all right."

To the father of the accused. Mr. Hunt said, "He needs a good hiding." "Yes, I was thinking of giving him a hiding," replied the father.

The assistant probation officer, Mr. Mexted, said he did not quite know what to recommend as the unlawful conversion of cars Avas a serious matter. However, this type of offence had not been quite so prevalent lately.

The car, said Detective-Sergeant Nalder, had been damaged. The damage and expenses incurred totalled £22 10/6.

The magistrate admitted Milburn to probation for two years and ordered him to pay half the damages and expenses.

Addressing Mr. Mexted, the magistrate said, "Can I leave it to you to see that the boy's father gives him a good hiding?"

"Yes, sir; I will see to that," said the assistant probation officer.