MAN GIVEN A CHANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19838, 7 January 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

MAN GIVEN A CHANCE.

MAGISTRATE'S EXAMPLE. Alderman Sandle, acting as Magistrate at the Guildhall Police Court, asked an employer, who was charging one of his assistants wit a theft, to give him another chance. When the employer hesitated, the magistrate said:—"l will tell you why I ask. A few weeks ago it was brought to my knowledge that one of my employees had taken sqme £2OO that did not belong to him, and I was asked whether I would prosecute. After due deliberation, I decided, as I have often preached lenience from this Bench, to practise what I myself preached, and gave him another chance. I have every reason, to believe he will prove himself worthy. Now, will you think of what I have said?*' The employer said he would. The Alderman: Then I shall bind the young man over for six months. . Afterwards Mr. Sandle explained the attitude he had taken. When he heard of the theft in his own firm he realised that he was confronted with a case similar to others which had come before him as a magistrate arid in which he had advocated leniency. " I gave the man a good talking to and told him he would be forgiven, and ho is now a thoroughly reliable man," he said.