SWEETS, MOVIES AND THE FLEET

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2313, 4 December 1925, Page 9

SWEETS, MOVIES AND THE FLEET

BOY’S METHODICAL THEFS FROM LETTERS. PLEADS GUILTY, COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE. He was a diminutive lad employed at the music store of A. J. Berryman. Palmerston North. One of his duties wa a to clear the letter-box at the Post Office, and during the time oi his employ—from May 1924 to August 1925 —he opened six different letters, extracted 10/- from each, and destroyed the rest of the contents. With the money thus gained he indulged in sweets and picture shows, and also a trip to see the American fleet. But the fact that no acknowledgment had been forthcoming for the moneys sent brought about an Investigation, as a result of which the lad appeared before Messrs. A. Hannay and J. A. McLeavey .J.’sP., at the Police Court yesterday on two charges of stealing 10/- in the manner described. Detective-Sergeant Quirko, who conducted the case for the police, stated that unfortunately accused, although only a small lad, was over 16 years of age and as he came within the statutory definition of a man, had to be indicted. He was being charged with only two of the thefts. Victoria Pcrsson, married woman, of Khandallah, deposed to having sent on July 25 lust a letter to A. J. Berryman, of Palmerston North, enclosing a postal note for 10/-. Later, witness received information that the letter had not reached its destination, and as a result she reported the matter to the postal authorities. Evidence of a similar despatch was given by Kathleen E. Pratley, ana Jean Pratley, of Pahiatua. Arthur Joint Berryman, music dealer, of Palmerston North, deposed that during his employ with witness it was accused’s duty to clear the postal box for witness. Witness had received complaints from tint two women who had given evidence that there were no acknowledgments from witness of money sent. Upon accused’s dismissal from witness’s employ ho admitted having taken the two ten shilling notes. Otherwise the lad was a very good worker. Detective-Sergeant Quirke deposed that on September 25 he interviewed accusd at the police station, wnen accused admitted he had opened six postal packets, and extracted the money. In a written statement accused had said that he took about £3 altogether. He did not- tell his mother of these thefts. The money he spent on pictures and sweets, and also made a trip to see the American Fleet. Detective-Sergeant Quirke asked that accused b© admitted to ball, and that his name bo suppressed. Accused was committed to the Palmerston North Suxiremo Court for sentence, bail being allowed in the sum of £lO. The Bench left the suppression of accused’s name to the discretion of the press. His name was Robert Norris.