WELLESLEY CLUB ROBBERY

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 98, 20 January 1926, Page 10

WELLESLEY CLUB ROBBERY

PECULIAR POSITION ARISES

“What is the nature of the further charge to be preferred against the accused?” asked Mr. E< Page, S.M. “He is concerned with the theft pf trophies from the Wellesley Club, and with breaking and entering that building, but we cannot charge him with the former offence, as the law does not provide for a prosecution for breaking and entering a club,” replied Acting-Chief Detective Walsh.

The above dialogue occurred in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Archibald John Bryant, a young man, charged with the theft of two gold cigarette cases of a total value of £2O, the property of members of the Empire Press Union.

Accused pleaded guilty to the charges, and asked for a remand until to-day, when the charge of theft of trophies from the Wellesley Club will be made against him. “He was employed as a porter at the Midland Hotel, and stole the ergarette cases belonging to members of the overseas Press delegation, who were staying there,” stated Detective Walsh. “The goods were later recovered at a pawn shop.’i “You wish to be remanded until tomorrow?” asked the Magistrate. “Yes,” replied accused. Mr. Page (to Detective Walsh) : Perhaps I can take the three charges together to-morrow unless he desires to go to the Supreme Court. What is the value of the trophies stolen? “I am not in a position to say,” replied the detective. “They are -worth about £70,” came the unexpected answer from accused. “Very well,” said Mr. Page, “I will hear the three charges to-morrow morning.”