BOARDINGHOUSE THEFTS

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 1 February 1933, Page 4

BOARDINGHOUSE THEFTS

RAWER A COURT CONVICTIONS. THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. “This man has spent practically half his lifetime in gaol; he has a formidable list of previous convictions and. is a dangerous man to have; about the town.” said Sergeant J. Henry in the Hawera Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon when charging Oswald Harris on two counts with theft from a boardinghouse. Messrs. S. Blake and F. S. Tarrant, Justices of the Peace, occupied the bench. , Harris was charged with the theft of a travelling rug of the value of £4, the property of C. Davies, and two hair brushes valued at £l, the property of R. C. Hammond. He elected to be dealt with summarily and pleaded guilty. In outlining the facts for the prosecution Sergeant Henry gaid that on January 21. defendant was seen going up the pathway of No. 15 Princes Street. Hawera, a boarding-house owned bv Mrs Lundy. A boarder saw him m the passage carrying a rug. When questioned defendant said the rug belonged to a “cobber” of his named Green, who stopped at the house. The boarder knew there was no man of this name at the house, so he told defendant to put the rug back. Tiffs he did, and it was then discovered that there were a pair of hair brushes with the rug. After some discussion among the boarders Harris was allowed to go. Soon afterwards another boarder discovered his brushes were missing. He went down the street and overtook Harris, in whose hip pocket lie saw the brushes. When taxed with taking the brushes Harris took them «-ut of his pocket and threw them on tiie pavement. “The boarder wanted Harris to go to the police station,” said the Sergeant, “but the latter pleaded so. hard that lie was allowed to go. The matter came to the notice of the police later and a summons was issued. '•Vhen Harris did not appear in court last Wednesday a warrant was issued. Apparently he was advised by someone who happened to be at the back: of the court' at the time for Harris came to the station and gave himself up.” t Ab the - time of the thefts he was undoubtedly under the influence of liquor, said Sergeant Hf my, but could not be termed drunk. It practically amounted to theft from a dwelling. - Harris was only 28 years of age, but since 1918 he had spent practically all his life in gaol. When asked by the bench if he had anything to say Harris said be was under the influence of liquor and did not realise what he had done. When he came to his senses lie had gone to the station and given himself up to face the music. Drink had been his downfalL, ancl be was prepared to take out a prohibition order. Defendant was convicted on both charges and concurrent three moaohs’ sentences imposed. The bench ‘said that it had taken a lenient view smd it hoped that Harris would not come back again.