Pair of Socks

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 221, 4 September 1926, Page 5

Pair of Socks

Wrecks Teacher's Career

PUBLIC DISGRACE NOW FACED.

NAME SUPPRESSION REFUSED.

(Per Press Association.)

Auckland, Sept. 4.

Alfred Charles Hook, aged 49, headmaster oi the Mercer School, in the police court, pleaded guilty to the theft of a pair of socks worth 4/6, the property of Kendall's Ltd., Auckland. Hook was detected in the get. Chief Detective Cummings said the accused had been in tht service of the Education Board for 25 years. He was worth £4OOO, and when yuested bad £37 11/6 in his pockets Counsel for the accused said Hook not only had an honourable reiord in the board's service, but serve! over two years with the mounted troope in Palestine. He contracted malaria) fever on war service, and had suffered from the effects thereof since his return. His career was now absolutely wrecked. He would he dismissed end his future was ruined. Counsel asked for leniency and suppression of the accuse ’s name.

The chiei detective said the accused was under suspicion, and he was watched. The suppression of his name would cast suspicion on every other headmaster in the board’s service. Mr. J. W. I’oynton. 8.M., said he could not suppress the accused’s name. He bnd lost his position >■■■■' there was disgrace to be faced. Me would be convicted and discharged.