THEFT CHARGE FAILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19721, 22 August 1927, Page 12

THEFT CHARGE FAILS.

GATEKEEPER AT OIL STORE. CONTENTS OF THREE BOTTLES. A whisky bottle half-full of benzine, a bottle of shellac and a third vessel containing fluid which the police did not profess to identify were exhibited in the Police Court on Saturday when Michael Charles Ryan, aged 45, gatekeeper at the British Imperial Oil Company's store in Freeman's Bay, was charged with theft. A lodginghouse-keeper said accused occupied a room in her house for some time. She gave him the bottles produced when empty, but did not know-where the contents were obtained. Accused occasionally brought parcels into the house. The husband of the last witness said the police found the bottles in tthe washhouse after accused left for other lodgings. W. A. Clark, manager of the store at which accused was employed, said small quantities of benzine were easily accessible. Shellac was also kept on the premises. Witness examined the third bottle, and said he could not give a name to the contents. He was sure the fluid was not one kept at the store. Accused said he recognised only the bottle containing the nameless black liquid. He used the preparation in an unsuccessful attempt to-paint a mantelpiece. Mr F K. Hunt, S.M., said the evi dence could not earn a conviction. The case would be dismissed.