ALLEGED BENZINE THEFT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16946, 4 September 1918, Page 6

ALLEGED BENZINE THEFT.

BEACH ROAD FIRE SEQUEL.

ONE MAN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

The sequel to the fire at Messrs, Wright Stephenson's benzine store in Beach Road on August 13 was ,v .e appearance in the Police Court yesterday before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., 'of Charles 0. Baker (Mr. Singer), Henry A. Weaver (Mr. R. McVeagh), and George H. Wood (Mr. Moody), on charges of stealing benzine. Baker was charged with stealing 10 cases, valued at £10, and Weaver and Wood were each charged with the theft of 16 cases, valued at £16. Cyril J. Spinley (Mr. A. E. Skclton) was charged with receiving six cases knowing them to have been dishonestly obtained, and Alfred Rush (Dr. Bamford) was similarly charged in respect to four cases. The case against Baker was taken first. Win. Stilton, taxi-car owner, said accused told him there was " leaky benzine" for sale at the scene of the fire. Witness did not go for any benzine. Walter Venner, taxi-driver, said he was at the scene of the fire on August 16, when he saw a man putting benzine into a car owned by Rush. It was dark, and witness could not identify the man. Detective-Sergeant Hammond said that when he interviewed Baker the latter at first denied' but subsequently admitted bavin? sold some benzine. In a written statement he said that Weaver and Woods, two other watchmen, told him that if any of his friends wanted benzine they could get it at 10s a case. He told some of the taxi-drivers, and the next day Rush loaded his car with benzine from a stack which Weaver pointed out. Weaver had said he had received a few cases as a bonus.

Accused repeated his statement on oath. Ho added that he had received nothing for his services, and when Weaver said he had been given some benzine he thought he had authority to sell it. Later, when he saw the number of taxi-drivers waiting for benzine and overheard Weaver, and Wood talking h6 became frightened and left. Cross-examined, witness said he had been emploved as a watchman, but was not 60 employed on the day the benzine was taken away. Tho magistrate said he would givo accused the benefit of the doubt, and dismiss the information.

Henry A. Weaver was then charged. Thomas Dingley, manager for Leonard and Dingley, who were engaged to salvage the benzine, said Weaver, who was foreman of the salvage gang, had no authority to dispose of any of the benzine. After Detective-Sergeant Hammond saw witness he questioned Weaver, who said he had received 6ome money, but did not knowhow much benzine had been sold. Witness advised him to see the detective. Weaver said that he had not realised what had been going on, but that when ho did realise it lie stopped it. He said he had received £1 or £2. Cross-examined, witness said Weaver had been employed about eight years, and witness always found him honest and reliable.

Arthur P. Friend, fire adjuster, said that accused had beui instructed not to leu any of tho benzine go away, except 94 cases for Briscoe's. One of the men had asked for a few cases of benzine as a bonus, but witness said none must go away. There had been some talk of giving money or a suit of clothes to Weaver as a bonus.

J. W. Hollows, motor mechanic, employed by Dexter and Crozier, said he purchased 12 tins of benzine at 5s per tin at the scene of the fire. He could not say if accused was one of the men present when he paid the money. Charles O. Baker, engineer, stated that Weaver said he had received some benzine as a bonus, and witness told some taxidrivers the price. When he returned to the scene of the fire a car arrived, and Weaver directed the driver to where he could take some benzine. Witness saw several other motor-cars there.

Detective-Sergeant _ Hammond said Weaver at first denied receiving money, but subsequently, admitted having done so He stated that Rush paid him £2, and he gave £1 to Wood, who mentioned that several people had bought benzine through Biker. Some cases were found hidden in Waikowhai Park. Rush had returned three full and five empty tins. Accused, who elected to be dealt with by a jury, pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence., and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail, one surety o' £100. was allowed.

The charges against Wood. Spinlev, and Rush were adjourned until this morning.