AH INCORRIGIBLE BOY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 134, 8 June 1907, Page 5

AH INCORRIGIBLE BOY.

A juvenile offender was brought before Mr T. Scott Smith, S.M., to-day, and dealt with privately in the Magistrate's room. The boy, Patrick Joseph McGrath, has a previous conviction against him for theft, and in this instance was charged on the information of the police with stealing, on the 7th of June, a gold-mounted pendant, valued at 10s 6d, the property of John Bond, and also with stealing, on or about the Ist of June, a gold watch and chain, the property of Mrs A. D. Burns, Charles Street. A plea of guilty was entered to the charges of stealing the watch and pendant. Mr Burns stated that the watch and chain had been placed in a jewel case on the dressing-table, and the boy, in order to gain possession, found access through the window. Information was given to the police, and Constable Bird immediately made inquiries of all the local jewellers and second-hand dealers. Shortly after the boy brought the watch into Mr Harding's for repairs. When giving the watch to Mr Buist the accused stated that it be- | longed to Mr Harris, Springlands. Subsequently he returned for the watch, and, Mr Buist having in the meantime communicated with the police, he was detained till the arrival of Constable Bird, who charged him with the theft,

The mother of the boy was present at the hearing oi: the charge to-day, and asked that he might be dealt with summarily. The Magistrate expressed himself very strongly when commenting upon the parents' want of proper control over the boy. He said he did not wish to have him whipped, though it might really be the best thing to do under the circumstances.

Sergt.-Major Mason said that the boy, if committed to an industrial school, would be flogged quite enough for at least any further offences. The Magistrate ordered the lad to be sent to the Stoke Orphanage, ixelson, the parents to contribute 4s per week towards his maintenance.