TROUBLE OVER TURKEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20622, 22 July 1930, Page 12

TROUBLE OVER TURKEY.

THEFT CHARGE DENIED. "ITo was lying in the gutter holding Ihc turkey," said Constable Broodley in the Police Court yesterday when William Miithicson, aged 44, described as a shipwright, wns charged wilh being drunk in Alpha Road, l'ainell, on Saturday and with stealing a turkey, valued at 8s Cd. Mr. Smyth, for accused, pleaded guilty to the first charge, but denied the second offence.

Stating that ho bought tlio turkey the previous day at tlio city markets, Richard Ernest McDowell, a salesman, residing in Newmarket, said (hat op Saturday afternoon lie went, into aln 4'l in Parnell as lie was taking Um bird home. Ho laid it on the bar, and while he was absent for a few rninul.es it disappeared Constablo Hroadley said lie arrested accused on a charge of drunkenness in Alpha Hoad. He was lying in the gutter tioiding the turkey, and could give no explanation as to how he had obtained it. Maihiesnn had been in custody since Saturday night.

"Accused has homo an unblemished character up to tho present." said Mr. Sriivth. "Ho admits that ho was very drunk." "Drink is no excuse for theft, but I will dismiss tho case on payment of costs," said tho magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt, who ordered Malhieson to pay 10s costs on I lie second charge and rv fine of 5s for being drunk. "I do not know if the turkey will he any good now." remarked Sub-In-spector Shan.ilian, who raised the question of restitution.

"Well, complainant will ;;ol ICs coils. Ho ("in bay another one," replied the magistrate.