TAXI-DRIVER IN COURT

Evening Star, Issue 23310, 5 July 1939, Page 10

TAXI-DRIVER IN COURT

TWO CHARGES ACCUSED PLEADS NOT GUILTY f Per United Press Association.} , WELLINGTON, July 5. Thomas Gordon (37), a taxi driver, was charged before Mr Stout, S.M., with the unlawful conversion of a truck valued at £260 and with breaking and entering on June 21 the office of Barton, Ginger, Ltd., and committing theft. After evidence had been heard ho pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial. ■ Francis James Lawson, a fitter, ot Johnsonville, said he was working on the Hutt road, and on June 21 he was walking down to it about 11 p.m. As ho entered Ngahauranga Gorge ho saw a steel safe lying on its back. There seemed to be some cotton waste packed round the lock, and he saw what was apparently an unlit fuse protruding. He did hob see in the vicinity at the time. He continued down the gorge, and about 10 later he heard an explosion. Some time later he returned with members of the police force. He saw a man digging spoil with a shovel, and there was a yellowcoloured van close beside him. The lights were turned full on and a fire was burning close to the van. _ Constable M'Conachy, in evidence, said that the man did not appear to be aware of their presence until they were within 40yds. He dropped his shovel and ran in the opposite direction. He ran over a steep bank into the creek bed, where he was caught. In the van were found seven plugs of gelignite, and among the property on the accused was a detonator. Where the accused • had been shovelling the door of the safe was found partly covered with spoil.