MASKS AND REVOLVERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1147, 7 June 1911, Page 4

MASKS AND REVOLVERS.

FIVE LADS ARRESTED.

(By T<flocrtfch.-Special Correspoiident.l Auckland, June G.

Fivo young men, "namely, Joseph. Thomas Christie, George ]{<mch Bartlott, .lames Edward Smith, James Kiiiß, and Thomas' Marshbnnk, Whoso axes range from-16 to 22 years, were before Ihe Auckland Police Court on a niinibcv of charges of breaking and entering. The story of tho prosecution, as related by Chief Detective >lai\sadc, was (hat four of the .men charged lived together in a boarding-houso in the city, and an examination of their rooms revealed a hrpa and varied collection of burglary impedimonta. There wore several masks, wigs moustaches, key?, revolvers etc., and, in the chief detective's words, "nil- the paraphernalia of the foolish Doadwood Dick type of burglar." When discovered, Iho lads allemplcd to scatter afield, but they were all arrested. It was not alleged, said Mr. Marsaek, that Marshbank was guilty of breaking and entering, as his part in l.he escapade was to keep watch outside- Mrs. Hellnby's shop whilo the others committed theft.

Defective Quarter-main gave evidence regarding the aiTct of the accused. With the exception of Marshbank they admitted being concerned in the thefts. When witness arrested Jlarshbank, he questioned, him about, tho wigs and revolvers found, at the boarding-hons?, and Jlarshbank produced a false moustache- from a coat pocket. He made n statement to witness that he was returning home in tho early hours of the morning of May 0, when he met King, Christie, Bartlott, and Smith, who told Jlarshbank that they were Koiiig to rob Hellaby's shop. Marslibank said he was "not keen on the job," but ho consented to keep watch. When Christie was arrested tw.o revolvers were found in his possession. Murshbank and Bartlett pleaded not guilty, and. reserved their defence. Christic pleaded fiuilty to all charges,, and King and Smith pleaded guilty to breaking and entering Hcllaby's shop, but pleaded not guilty to being implicated in, the theft from Jlr. Fletcher's house.

The accused wore committed to the Suprenjo Court for sentence and trial according to their respective picas.