THEFT OF TIMBER

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12397, 9 November 1934, Page 7

THEFT OF TIMBER

RELIEF WORKER CONVICTED

REQUIRED WOOD FOR FIRE

TWELVE MONTHS’ PROBATION. Appearing before Messrs. A. G. Beere and C. Blackburn, J.P’s., in the Police Court yesterday, Jack It. Blair pleaded guilty to two charges of theft of timber, the property of William Cave. The offences occurred on November 1 and 6, while the two pieces of timber stolen were valued at 10s and 12s. lie was admitted to probation for a period of 12 months. Detective McLeod, who prosecuted, explained that, for some time, Mr. Cave had been missing timber from his yard in Gladstone road. On November (j lie marked the timber with pencil and next day found a lilt, piece missing. Accused's place was visited and lie admitted the theft, also the previous one on November 7. In May, 1027, accused was convicted of theft and placed on probation for six months, added Detective McLeod. Since then he had lived a fair life. Accused was a married man and a relief worker, and he had explained that he wanted the timber for the fire to cook meals. Probation should meet the ease.

Accused explained to the court that he was earning IBs Oil a week. His rent of 10s a week was paid fo date and he was also paying 6s weekly off his furniture, leaving only 2s Od on which to live. He requested that Jiis name be suppressed, pointing out that his own and his wife’s people were well-known and highly respected residents of the district.

The bench pointed out that, since accused had been previously convicted, suppression of tlic name was impossible, otherwise it would certainly have been considered. This was an unfortunate case and the position would best be met by a further term of 12 months’ probation.