THEFT OF LIQUOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21505, 31 May 1933, Page 13

THEFT OF LIQUOR

YOUNG MAORI'S OFFENCES SIX MONTHS IN PRISON [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON. Tuesday A sentence of six months' imprisonment was imposed by Mr. Justice Herdman in the Hamilton Supremo Court to-day on Hohepa Paurini, aged 23, who appeared for sentence for stealing two bottles of whisky and two bottles of beer from the Tokaanu Hotel 011 May 13. Mr. Hampson said that accused's lapso was duo to drink. Counsel said the elders still held control over the tribe of which accused's father was the principal chief. Accused and his father had done a great deal for the Maoris in the district, and the people were extremely law-abiding. His Honor said if the offence had been accused's first he would havo admitted him to probation, but he had been convicted previously at Palmerston North of the theft of postal packets valued at £lOl. He had been granted probation, a thing His Honor had never heard of for such an offence. His Honor added that it gave him great pleasure to hear how the ciders of the tribe, including accused's father, were able to exercise beneficial authority.