"STRETCHING THE LAW" FOR A GOOD PURPOSE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXVI, Issue 96, 28 April 1890, Page 4

"STRETCHING THE LAW" FOR A GOOD PURPOSE.

Chables Ghimbebb, aged 20, a e'erk, of Droop street, Queen's Park, wbb charged at Melbourne-atreet Police Court, on February 7, on his own confession, with stealing a post letter and money orders to the amonrfc of 21s, the propery of Messrs Carry and Psxton, of Great Portlandstreet. M* W. Carry said that a few days ego the prisoner oame to him and stated that he had appropriated several Bums of money belonging to the firm, which statement, on customers indicated by the prisoner being communicated with, proved to be true- He was then given into custody, and charged with stealing the largest of the amounts. Mr Hannay ! Might I ask how muoh he was paid. Mr Curry: 15s! a week and his tea. Mr Hannay: 15s t Why, I understand that he is married. Mr Cooper (for the prosecution) : That is so, sir When called npon for bis defenoe, Chambers expressed bia contrition, ana said be supposed he must have been 1- d to do it by the bad oompany he had pot into duiirg the laat few weeks. He wo'nld repay every farthing. Mr Cooper: I must press : for a conviotion, your Worship. The prisoner's father, who was much affected, said that up till a few weeks ago his son ha 3 been a very good lad. Mr Hannay: Considering Ma youth and the wretched payment he received, 1 think I shall stretch the law a little. (To the father): Will you be bound for his good fcehavionr? The father replied m the affirmative. Mr Cooper: Bat we cannot be satisfied with that. My cient has a large number of baadg. Mr Hannay: I don't core a Btraw what you think about the matter. I am Btrock by the very small salary be was paid, and I think it ia a caae m wbioh some clemency may be shown— l hope with advantage. (To prisoner) : Of cooree, if you tranpgress again you will Tie called up for judgement fjr the offence. I shall bind your father ovtr lii £5 to bring you up if called upon during the next s-xjuonthp. The following appeared m our second edition on Saturday : —