Theft for mercy trip

Press, 29 December 1980, Page 10

Theft for mercy trip

PA Wellington A man who stole a $lO,OOO book from the Post Office has been remanded to February so that he can go to see his dying father in Australia. Michael John Ellis, aged 35,.' a storeman, pleaded guilty in the District Court in Wellington oh Monday to the theft as a of the >ook, “The Colony of New Zealand Blue Book — Finanial 1882,” and of two Post Office cards, five envelopes, md 17 1942 ration cards. Judge Gilbert remanded Tim to February 2, on $lOOO bail and ordered the police .o return his air tickets.

Detective Sergeant W.P. Ireasey said that Ellis had jeen working as a cleaner m he Post Oifice museum. He lad been allowed to borrow

i.some books but began taking them home, without permission. In June, he took home the "Blue Book,” the only one of its kind in New Zeaand, but he had no idea of its value. After several months he took it to an auctioneer. He had said he -sold it . to raise money. He had thought he might get into trouble with the Post Office for keeping it for so long. Counsel, T"r G. Rosenberg, said Ellis’s father had a terminal illness, but he was still alive and conscious and Ellis was keen to go to Australia to see . his father before he died. He had not been aware of the book’s value, but as it sold for only $4O it seemed the auctioneer did not know! either. Ellis had only $200,1

but would have more money from the estate when his father .died. ,< • ;