Onepuhi Maori in Trouble

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7486, 9 June 1934, Page 8

Onepuhi Maori in Trouble

IMPRISONED FOR BICYCLE THEFT. Nuku Williams, a Maori, of Oncpubi, well-known in Rangitikci football circles, was brought up in the Marion Court on Thursday before Messrs. 11. G. Cameron and A. C. M. Parkinson, J-’s.P., charged with tho theft of a bicycle at Oncpubi on or about July IS,* 1033. Williams, who was defended by Mr. K. A. Williams, entered a plea of guilty. The police stated that defendant when interviewed some three weeks after the theft denied all knowledge of the machine which was found some months later behind a hedge at Kakariki. As tho result of a very peculiar set of circumstances tho theft was sheeted home to Williams who confessed some days ago. The police, in asking for a salutary term of imprisonment, pointed out that such thefts were becoming too common in the district and that some deterrent was necessary. Counsel for Williams made an appeal for leniency on the ground that it was the first occasion liis client had been before tho Court for an act of dishonesty.

Tho Bench declined to view the case other than seriously and Williams was convicted and sentenced to 14 daa s imprisonment in Wanganui gaol.