Stole Petrol From Wigram Aerodrome

Northern Advocate, 17 November 1941, Page 2

Stole Petrol From Wigram Aerodrome

TPer Press Association —Copyright.l CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Two employees at Wigram Aerodrome, Russell Cunningham Bullock, aged 20, a'nd Bryce Acton Thompson, aged 26, were each fined £lO by Mr H. A. Yocmg, S.M., today on a charge of stealing petrol from the aerodrome. Bullock admitted stealing three gallons and Thompson two gallons. Prosecuting, Detective-Sergeant McClung said a shortage of 10 gallons taken from planes had been discovered. Bullock, on being interviewed, said he found some petrol in a tin in a corner of the hangar. Thompson said he found petrol in a tin in an abandoned motor car on a junk-heap at the aerodrome. Serious Aspect !

Mr McClung said the air force regarded the offences as serious. Recently a plane had been forced .down for want of petrol and the mechanic responsible for the machine's tank at the subsequent court-martial swore he had filled the tank. That man had suffered 14 days’ detention. It was not suggested that the two accused had anything to do with that, but the offence was looked upon as serious. In imposing the lines the magistrate said further offenders would run the risk cf imprisonment without the option.