THEFT OF FUR COAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23027, 3 May 1938, Page 15

THEFT OF FUR COAT

SHIP'S STEWARD CHARGED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT "This is a case which illustrates my remarks earlier in the morning regarding deserting seamen," said Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday, when Albert Kadwell, ship's steward, pleaded guilty to charges of stealing a fur coat valued at £27, the property of Florence Harriet Holmes, and obtaining £3 from the same person on a false pretence. In a statement made to Detective Brady, accused said he arrived in New Zealand bv tho Tamaroa, and had left the ship on April 2 with the intention of obtaining work. A woman in England gave him the coat, which was to bo delivered in New Zealand. He later sold the coat for £6 to another person as he was short of money. Accused then wrote to the complainant saying he had boon caught by the Customs authorities and had had to pav £ls in fines. He stated that he wanted £3 to pay bis expenses as he had no money left. Detective-Sergeant McHugh stated that any suggestion that accused w:is instructed to get the coat through the customs without paying duty was incorrect, as the complainant was to pay the dutv in Wellington. On the first charge accused was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. He was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence within two j-ears if called upon on the second charge.