CONVERSION OF CARS’

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 5 February 1942, Page 3

CONVERSION OF CARS’

OFFENCES BY TERRITORIALS APPEARANCE BEFORE MAGISTRATE Finding that their own car had! broken down in Nelson, four privates! in a Territorial unit stationed in Marl -\ j borough, three of whom were absent; without leave, decided that the best way they could get back to camp was to help themselves to another car •states the “Express"). Accordingly they took one belonging to Dr. D. C. Low. of Nelson, but when they reach - ed Ren wick the car ran out of petrol. Ir order to overcome this difficulty the privates then helped themselves to another car, belonging to Harold James Reeves, and drove it in to Blenheim. Yesterday morning three cf the cut prits. Privates Lawrence TunniclifTe. Allan Jennens. and Charles Slade, ap- , peared before Mr T E. Maunsell, 5.M.,. in answer to charges of converting the cars to their own use. Jennens pleaded not guilty to the first charge, stating that he had had nothing to do with taking Dr. Low's car. but ho admitted taking part in the conversion of Mr, Reeves’s car. The other two pleaded | guilty to both charges. Charges were, also preferred against Private Keith Eridger, who did not appear, and it was stated by the police that he was absent from camp without leave. A warrant! for his apprehension was issued. Evidence was given by Constable Robertson in th2 case against Jennens. j to the effect, that the accused had been J met in Nelson by the others, after they had taken Dr. T .'s car. He admitted triking part in .onverting the car at Renwick. The magistrate intimated that, he would accept a plea of not guilty as far as the first charge was concerned. Senior Sergeant Smyth stated that the soldiers had left Blenheim in Bridgets car, which, however, had broken down in Nel an. The next morning Dr. Low's car was found to be missing from its garage, and was later found at I Renwick. Mr Reeves’s car was also] later found to be missing. "You are an absolute disgrace to the 1 King’s uniform,” said the magistrate.; addressing the accused. “You are a pack of young scoundrels. lam dis-1 gusted to see men in your uniform' coming here as hoodlums. I cannot find words to express my contempt!

and loathing.” j Answering the magistrate an officer, who appeared, stated that the accused i had already been placed under disciplinary action. To a further question, j the officer stated that the military j authorities did not impose penalties for civil offences. The magistrate commented that he; would take the age of the accused intO; account. They had no respect for pri- i vate property, but he did not want to [ send young men to gaol, although they ! fully deserve'’, it. A fine of £5 was imposed on each of | the accused, and they were also re- 1 quired to pay the cost of returning the, cars to the owners. The fines are toj be paid at the rate of 10s weekly. { ADMITTED TO PROBATION ESCAPADE OF THREE YOUTHS Three youths. Gerald Raymond Aus_ | . t;n. Stanley Arthur Blackmore and j John Frederick Standring, each aged. 17. admitted a charge of converting to j | their own use a motor car belonging to j Eurchard Bertrum Jones, at Nelson, on j 31st January. They also pleaded guilty; to the theft of goods valued at 7s ssd,! the property of Gorman's. Ltd., cor- j dial manufacturers, and to damaging a I padlock, valued at Gs. Senior Sergeant Smyth stated that j the accused had been arrested in Blen- ; heim. when they had admitted taking a ! car from Nelson. Before leaving Nel_ j son they had broken into Gormans j Ltd., and had stolen some goods, mainly J. eatables and some soft drinks. Asked what they had to say for;, themselves, the accused explained to;. the magistrate that they had been . working on a tobacco farm near Nelson j but did not like the work and decided

they would return to Christchurch, i where their homes were. When they got to Nelson they had no money and | had not eaten for some time. They | broke into the premises mentioned and! later decided to take a car and drive to Elenheim. After giving the accused a dressing! down the magistrate said he would be j lenient if he felt that the accused would appreciate it and not say: “Well. '\e put it across that old fool on the Eench and now we'll go and take someone else down.” On receiving an assurance that they fully realised how leniently they wer: being treated, and that they would go straight in future, the magistrate admitted them to probation for twelve months. “There will ' be a long term of imprisonment in store j ror you if therf arc any further lapses,” I be said.