BUTTER RECEIVED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 201, 25 August 1945, Page 6

BUTTER RECEIVED

CARPENTER'S CRIME

TWO WEEK'S IMPRISONMENT

A charge of receiving 71b of butter valued at 10/6, the property of the United States Government, well knowing the butter to have been dishonestly obtained, was admitted by Neville Moller (40), a carpenter, when he appeared before Mr. J. Morling, S.M., in the Police Court this morning. An alternative charge of stealing the butter was withdrawn by the police.

Sub-Inspector Henderson said that at 11.55 a.m. yesterday Constable Mandeno was on duty at the Princes wharf gate, when he accosted Moller and asked him what he was carrying under his coat. Moller replied: "Just a couple of pounds of butter." He produced 21b of butter, but a further slb was found on him. Asked where he had obtained it, Moller said, "Upstairs." He added that he heard in the shed that "there was some butter going" so he got some. Butter of the same brand as that found on Moller was being shipped to United States and other forces in the Pacific, said the sub-inspector.

Mr. K. E. Aekins. who represented accused, said Molle'r had had an unblemished character in the past. Yesterday an American on a ship asked him if he wanted to buy some cigarettes, but Moller, who did not smoke, turned down the offer. Then he was asked if he wished to purchase some butter and, unfortunately, Moller bought 71b for 10/6. As he stayed in a hotel the butter was of no use to him. It was Moller's intention to give it to his friends. The butter was probably ship's stores. In view of Moller's previous good record counsel suggested that a monetary penalty rather than one of imprisonment should be imposed.

"No, I cannot do that," the magistrate said. "Everyone must know that to take such things away from a ship, whether they are stolen or not, is a serious offence these days. However, I will not impose a heavy sentence." Moller was sentenced to two weeks' imprisonment.