IMPUDENT THEFT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15551, 7 March 1914, Page 8

IMPUDENT THEFT.

NATIVE STEALS £30.

TWO £10 NOTES BURNED

COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE.

[NT TELEGRAPH.OWN* CORRESPONDENT.]

Helexstillk, Friday. A native named Herowini Mihaka, of Matakohe. was before the Court to day ion a charge of the theft of a sum of £30. The evidence showed that accused boarded the Tiiirangi at Ruawai on Sunday, as did also James Queen, a farmer in that district. The two men had one or two drinks together prior to the arrival of he steamer at Helensville that evening, being well acquainted with each other. Both remained aboard the vessel, with the intention of going on to Auckland by the first train on Monday morning, finding sleeping accommodation in the saloon.

About 4 a.m. Queen discovered the loss of his cash, totalling £30, including two £10 notes. The native denied any knowledge of Queen's money, and said that he also had lost a few shillings. Mihaka went on to Auckland, but was accosted by Detectives Cummings and Scott, who had been advised by Constable lhornell to meet him. On a search being made, some money was found in his sock, but there were no £10 notes.

A son of the accused admitted having received the notes from Ids father, and lie said he had bured them because he became frightened when he heard that the money had been stolen.

The accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.