Gang Flouts Warning But Is Caught

Northern Advocate, 17 November 1941, Page 3

Gang Flouts Warning But Is Caught

They had simply limited the warning given by the court and would not take any notice of the advice given by the Elders of the settlement, said Constable Buckley at the Kaeo Police Court. He was referring to a gang of Pupuke youths, Reitu Heke. Haora Hape, Sid Flavell and Ran a Taniora, who appeared to answer a number of charges. Constable Buckley stated there had been considerable trouble in the Pupuke district recently, and the youths had been before the court on a previous occasion and had been dealt with leniently. Reitu Heke, who pleaded guilty to a charge of throwing stones to the damage of property cn a public place, and to two charges of mischief by smashing lip cream stands, was sentenced to six weeks hard labour on each charge. Pleading guilty to similar charges. Haora Hape was sentenced to l‘l days’ hard labour. Difficult to Handle Sid Flavell, who was described as a difficult youth to handle, was charged with the theft of a cornet valued at £lO, committing mischief and (two counts) of throwing stones. Constable Buckley stated that Flavell had appeared previously for unlawful conversion of a motor cycle and theft of benzine. He had been dealt with lightly in the hope that he would make good, but he immediately became associated with the other youths and committed further offences. Such conduct was not to bo tolerated, commented Mr. Raymond Ferner. S.M., stating that Flavell would be sent to Borstal for three years, in the hope that the training there would change Flavell’s outlook on life and help to make him a decent citizen. Rana Taniora, a native who was associated with Flavell in the theft of the cornet, and who had destroyed the instrument, was charged with theft and committing mischief. He was sentenced to one month’s hard labour.