Live Detonators Left in Theatre

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 204, 30 August 1938, Page 5

Live Detonators Left in Theatre

ELDERLY MAORI CONVICTED ROTORUA, Aug. 26. The story of an elderly Maori, who, while under the influence of liquor, carried a packet of 60 live detonators into the stalls of a Rotorua theatre and left j I hem under the seats, was related in the Rotorua Magistrate’s Court, j Tarakura Herewini appeared before Air S. L. Paterson, S.M., charged with the theft of the detonators from the Rotorua County Couneil, and also with .having them in his possession without I lawful excuse. On the first charge ho ■ was convicted and lined £l, and on the j second count he was ordered to pay 10s J costs, on condition that he take out a prohibition order. Accused, who was represented by Mr R. A. Potter, pleaded guilty to both charges. “I fear to think what might have happened in that picture theatre if this [box of detonators had been dropped or

kicked, or stepped on by some other patron,” said Senior-Sergeant E. J. Carroll. Counsel for defendant said that liquor was responsible for Herewini’s lapse. After spending some considerable time in the hotels, Herewini had gone to the Rotorua County Council yards and while under the influence ot drink ho had helped himself to the <3e--1 tonators. Accused had not been before the Court previously and was quite willing to take out a prohibition order. He had no real purpose in stealing the detonators.