THEFT FROM A STEAMER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15884, 3 April 1915, Page 6

THEFT FROM A STEAMER.

ONE MAN PLEADS GUILTY. [bt telegraph.—press association.] Chbistchitrch, Thursday. At the Magistrate's Court to-day Thomas Wm. Scott pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing at Lyttelton, on March 18, 12 drums of oil, valued at £12. and a bundle of copper rods, valued at £5. the property of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company. Sub-Inspector Hastie said that Scott had been boatswain's mate on the steamer Tainui, and that he took the oil and copper from the ship and handed them over to another man. The magistrate inquired whether there were not others to be charged in connection with the theft of this material. The sub-inspector said that two other men had been charged with theft, and two more with receiving stol.-n goods. These cases had been adjourned till Wednesday next, at Lyttelton. It was understood that a plea of not guilty would be entered by the other accused. The magistrate said that all the cases should be brought to Christchurch for hearing, as it would have an effect upon the sentence that he would inflict upon Scott when he knew what attitude be had taken up in regard to giving evidence. The accused was remanded till Wednesday next for sentence. The police will arrange for the removal of the hearing of the other cases to Christchurch.