ALLEGED THEFT

Evening Star, Issue 19062, 3 October 1925, Page 3

ALLEGED THEFT

BENZINE AND OIL HISSING [Per United Press Association.] GISBORNE October 2. At the Magistrate’s Churt tho proprietor of a country ■ motor service, named Harrv Cooper, was charged with stealing SOgal of benzine and lOgal of oil, tho property of the Gisborne Motor Service Company, and, further, witli receiving these goods knowing them to have been dishonestly obtained. Evidence was given that tho Gisborne Motor Service acted as agent for Cooper’s service on tho Tiniroto run, and when Cooper was in town ho was allowed to leave his car at the Gisborne Motor Service garage. The petrol ensumption was checked, and SOgal wore found missing. A youth employed by tho Motor Service gave evidence that Cooper camo to the garage between 10 ana 11 p.m. and instructed witness to put in benzine. Witness gave him 4gal and was paid ss, and was told not to say anything to anybody, as tho manager had' gjy.ni instructions nob to supply benzine to outsiders. Cooper came at oilier times, and altogether witness supplied about. 30gnl of benzine and oil. Witness retained all tho money received. Ono night, after Cooper visited the garage, witness found a case of benzine missing. Another youth employed in the garage alternately on a night shift gave evidence on somewhat similar lines. Ho considered that altogether lie supplied Cooper with liOgal to 4(tgal of benzine and oil. Ono night Cooper gave him Bs, and said lin had taken a case of benzine. All the money paid him he ref ail led. Both lads admitted that they knew that the benzine was stolen. Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. Tho two lads then appeared charged with the theft of the benzine and oil. They , pleadfcd guilty, and were convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within twelve months. Publication of their names was suppressed.