POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 23349, 19 August 1939, Page 20

POLICE COURT

FIIIDAY, AUGUST 18. (Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.) THEFT FROM GOVERNMENT. The theft of a dozen pencils, valued at Is, the property of the Government, was admitted by David Creighton Rae, aged 20, who had been employed by the Railway Department as a messenger. Chief-detective Holmes said that although tho value of the property in the present charge was small, there were circumstances attached to it • which were considered to be serious. The accused had been. employed in the locomotive department, and in the course of his duties as messenger had access to a number of places, including the parcels offic. On July 12 Detective Gibson bad occasion to search the room occupied by tho accused, and had found tho 12 pencils marked “ N.Z. Government.” Accused said ho had got them from the goods office, but this had been disproved. Accused had received £3 6s 8d a week in wages, and had no reason to steal “ I submit.” said the Chief Detective, “ that he is an out-and-out sneak thief.” There had been a good deal of petty thieving going on in places to which accused had had added Mr Holmes. Mr 0. G, Steyens, who appeared for the accused, pointed out that the charge involved a very small amount. The youth had been a ward of the State for some years, A conviction would mean loss of his position. 'The Magistrate: Why should it not? Mr Stevens pleaded that the youth should be given one chance at least before being thrown on the unemployed market. The Chief Detective, in answer to the magistrate, said that the accused had been under suspicion in tho matter of missing wallets. Evidence was given by John Lock (child welfare officer), who said that Rae’s conduct when a ward of the State had not been satisfactory. His Worship remarked that while there was no actual proof of the accused’s complicity in thefts other than the one mentioned in the charge, there was strong suspicion. He_would, however take into consideration the accused’s unfortunate family history and the fact that he was not now in a position of trust with the department. The matter would be adjourned for two years, leave being given for the police to bring it before tho court again at any time. The accused was ordered to report to the probation officer fortnightly. MOTORING CASES. Tlio case was continued against David Alan Hanley Hay (Mr C. J. L. White) and Garry George Bogue (Mr J. P. Ward). The charges arose out ol a motor collision at tho corner of Anzac Avenue and Frederick street on June 10. Hay was charged with negligent driving and with not having a license, and Bogue was charged with driving without care and attention.— After evidence had been heard, the Magistrate said there was no question that immediately prior to the accident Hay was travelling at an excessively high speed and that there was very careless driving on his part. On the facts, however, it seemed that Bogue had not kept a careful look-out for traffic coming down Anzac Avenue. In the circumstances it would be improper to enter a conviction against Hay until the court had heard the case against Bogue. Tho matter would therefore be adjourned until Bogue was able to appear or until the court received intimation that he could not appear.—For being an driver Hay was fined 5s and costs (10s). Alexander Kerr was charged with being an unlicensed motor driver and with being in charge of an unlighted motor cycle.—For the City Traffic Department, Mr J. C. Robertson said that the charge had been preferred three months previously and had been adjourned to allow tho defendant to attend a driving school. His conduct at the school, however, had been very unsatisfactory.—Remarking that the defendant did not seem to appreciate the leniency that !iad been extended to him. His Worship imposed a fine of £1 and costs (10s) on the former charge, and entered a conviction on the other.