THEFT ON WHARF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22413, 8 May 1936, Page 14

THEFT ON WHARF

"PLAYING A JOKE" MAGISTRATE IMPOSES. FINE Contending that he took a carton of toothpaste for the purpose of playing a joke on a fellow worker who had no teeth, Newell Harry Williams, wateirside worker? pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday, on a charge of theft. Williams was charged with the theft of the carton of toothpaste, valued at £2 6s, the property of the Union Steam Ship Company, Limited. Senior-Dctective Hall prosecuted, and Mr. Sullivan appeared for accused.

Norman Kavanngh, a wharf clerk, said it was his duty to prevent pillaging on the wharves and to watch for damaged caigo. He was in the shod at Princes Wharf at about 7 p.m. on April 9, when he saw Williams with a carton, which he carried for about 40 feet. Williams had put the carton back on being told to do so. To Air Sullivan, witness said Williams made no attempt to hide the carton, and what he did was perfectly open.

" On the face, it appears to be a case of thelt, but Williams had no intention or stealing the carton," said Mr. Sullivan. " Ho had merely picked it up to hav<- a joke with another waterside worker who had no teeth. It was his intention to hand it to the man when he came into the shed and say, ' Hero, this is what you should use.' Williams, in evidence, corroborated Mr. Sullivan's explanation. The magistral imposed a fine of £2 and costs 12s