REMOVAL OF A DINGHY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20561, 12 May 1930, Page 13

REMOVAL OF A DINGHY.

DISAPPEARS FROM WHARF<

TWO MEN EACH FINED £2, J

The theft of a dinghy and a quantity of chain, valued at £6, from tho Nelson Street Wharf on May 5, was denied by Roy Martin, aged 27, a seaipan, and John James William Brooks, aged 34, a labourer and fisherman, in 'tho Police Court on Saturday, before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. Sub-Inspector Shanahan later consented to the charge being reduced to one of converting tho dinghy to their own use, and the accused then pleaded guilty. Tho police evidence was that the owner left the dinghy tied at the Nelson Street Wharf, and the two men wero seen taking the boat, in which they rowed out to their fishing boat. Tho dinghy was away for about a week. Both men had previous convictions.

Mr. Smyth, who represented the accused, said their own dinghy was not fib' for use, and so they had made use of tha other one. They had no intention of stealing it, and were doing their best to earn a living. "They wanted the boat and they took it." said tho magistrate, in fining each 40s, or one month's imprisonment. "I am willing to give you a chance if you will go straight," he added. "T could send you up for threo months for this, and your lists really warrant it." Accused were given seven days io pay«