STRIKERS RAID DEVON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19196, 9 December 1925, Page 8

STRIKERS RAID DEVON.

SEQUEL IN POLICE COURT. A CONVICTION FOR THEFT. A recent raid upon the steamer Devon by members of tho crew who were on strike had a sequel in the Police Court yesterday, when John Hayes, aged 22, (Mr. Holmden), was charged with theft of a shirt valued at 13s 9d, the property of John Joseph Ross. Detective McHugh said tho Detfon airrived at Auckland with a volunteer crew. Arrangements were made to pay them off, but before they left the ship a number of the original crew, including accused, went on board, raided the firemen's quarters and stole most of their belongings. Accused's mate was before the Court a few days ago, and was then wearing one of the stolen shirts. This was not noticed at the time, but when the man was questioned it was found the article was given him by accused, who did not deny the action. He had said he found it on the deck. The shirt, however, was stolen, together with £l4 worth of goodis. Accused said he found the shirt with a heap of other gear. He thought tho free labourers had left it. , Chief-Detective Cummings: I. understand the man can secure a job on the ship, and we would be pleased to get rid of him, but would like to have the value of the shirt. Accused was ordered to pay the valu®, 13s 9d, and was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon.