Stole Lantern from Beacon

Northland Age, Volume XX, Issue 10, 10 November 1950, Page 1

Stole Lantern from Beacon

TWO MEN CHARGED IN KAITAIA COURT

W. Waitoe, aged 36, and T. Ngaiere, aged 17, were charged in the Kaitaia Court on Wednesday before Mi-. W. Carroll Harley, with having stolon a hurricane lantern from the Sand Spit Beacon on the Awanui Harbour. Ngarere entered a plea of not guilty, and Waitoe failed to appear in answer to the charge, even though the Bench had postponed the case for some time in order that defendant might have time to appear. Mr. Harley decided to hear tbs case in his absence. Sergeant E. E. Strawbridge prosecuted, stating that defendants had gone fishing, and whilst out in the-r boat had taken the lantern and had used it. This had not been the action of the moment, the sergeant jointed out, as they had taken kerosene with them for the purpose of using the lamp. It had bieen used round about their homes at Kainiaumau ever since, and had been hidden by the younger defendant. Constable A. E. Carson stated that he had investigated the complaint of the Harbour Master of Awanui, and the result of his inquiries had led him to the defendants, who in statements had admitted the offence. Mr. Harley had the parents of Ngarere brought into court, and satisfied himself that the boy was a good son. “Now, see what shame you have brought to your parents by this act.” he said. “You wili apologise to your parents for this shame, and you will remember not to do it again. Away you go.” “As to the other defendant,” continued His Worship, “Here We have a man of mature years who allowed a boy to steal a lantern, and a la»tern from a beacon at that. That is bad, very bad. I’m afraid we have to teach him a lesson. He will be | fined £lO and costs.” ® Probation for Girl

Eliza Popata stated that she was guilty when charged with the theft of £3 from the Taipa Trading Company. Sergeant Strawbridge said that defendant had asked to use the t dephone in the company’s store, and while her sister was talking on the phone, she took the money which was wrapped up in the till separate f ;sra ihe other monies. At first she denied the theft, and then burnt the money in her fright following Constable Elliott’s inquiries. His Worship asked Mr. .7 T. B. Taaffe to interview the girl and her parents ir. Chambers, and following the report of Mr. Taaffe who nad stated that if given a chance, the girl would make a good citizen, Mr. Harley admitted defendant to probation for one year, providing that she worked and live where the probation fficer instructed.