DANNEVIRKE SENSATION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1926, Page 3

DANNEVIRKE SENSATION

[by TELEGRAPH—PEII PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DANNEVIRKE. August 27. The doings of a baud of boys, whom the t>oliet* stated were known by the caption of “ The Silent Five.” were investigated at the Court to-day, before Magistrate J. L. Hewitt. The evidence disclosed rather a startling state of crime oil a wholesale scale. The youths concerned in the crime attributed to “The Silent Five,” were as follows: Reginald Rainey, who on a charge oitlieft. was remanded till next sitting for inquiries to he made concerning him. Wm. John Steel was charged with attempted breaking and entering, two charges of breaking, entering and theft, and one charge of thelt. John Edward Phillips was charged with theft, three charges of breaking, entering and theft. Harold Sydney Chandler, was indicted on two charges of breaking, entering and theft, while charges of attempted breaking and entering wore withdrawn.

The premises burglarised were business places in High Street belonging to Richard Bartlett (bootmaker). Leith Hooper (hairdresser), and Frederick Keen (’hairdresser). The last mentioned was a popular resort. Semor-Sergt. O’Hara said Unit the accused had launched on a career ot crime, and it was hard to say what would have happened had their career not been arrested. He could not recommend probation. AH the accused were committed t> the Borstal Institution, to he detained there for a period not exceeding three years. The Magistrate said he considered this the best course to adopt in the interests of the community and of the accused. In addition to the- foregoing. Garth Francis Durrnut, another youth, on four charges of theft, one of which he admitted, was also committed for three years’ detention in the Borstal Institute. A Maori lad.Wirimu Dorora, on four charges of breaking, entering and theft at Kiretaki, was ordered to he handed over to the Education authorities, he having previously been ail inmate of a receiving home under the Education Department.