CAR THEFTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24972, 15 August 1944, Page 7

CAR THEFTS

DETECTIVES PRAISED TWO MEN SENTENCED "I have been struck by the excellence of the work done by the detectives engaged in this case," said Mr .Justice, Callan, when sentencing two men yesterday on five charges of stealing parts from motor-cars. "The detectives' work, in my opinion," he continued, "has been careful, intelligent, patient, and, of course, successful." His Honor .said he understood that this class of offence was very prevalent in the city. Two of these offenders had been laid by the heels, and others might well take note that it was too difficult to fight successfully the efforts of an intelligent, well-organised and careful detective force. Anybody caught mid convicted would not receive from the Court any ill-advised and l<»i>li-,h display of mercy. Some very useful advice to motorists had been given by Detective Rossiter. and lli.s Honor was glad to see it had been published in the newspapers, telling motorists they would be well advised to note the numbers of their tyres, and to see that parts were branded.

"One other general observation." said His Honor. "This racket would not, bo worth while unless there was a market for the stolen parts. One wonders who would buy these tilings. 01 one tiling I am certain, good, holiest citizens do not. Nobody at a time like this should look at tyres or material of that kind which have a doubtful or obscure origin. If they do, they need not be surprised if they find themselves treated as worse than bad citizens and being charged here as receivers of stolen property." The prisoners were Thomas Boyle Dennis, motor mechanic, aged II (Mr M. Robinson), and Clifford Dennis Connelly, draughtsman, aged 32 (Mr Haigli). His Honor said Dennis' record

wa/? very bad, and the real question was whether lie ought now to be declared an habitual criminal, but there was not that persistent lapse into dishonesty that would make such a course necessary. However, he would now be warned that be was liable to be so declared, and probably would be if he came before the Court again for any offence involving dishonesty. On the five charges of theft, Dennis was sentenced to cumulative terms amounting in all to four years' imprisonment with hard labour. Assuming all possible considerations in Connelly's favour, His Honor sentenced him to two years' reformative detention. WHANGAREI HOSPITAL EXTENSIONS NEEDED (0.c.) WHANGAREI, Monday Plans for a new maternity annexe at the Whangarei Hospital are to be prepared, and the Hospital Hoard proposes to seek authority to carry on with this work. This decision wa.s made at a meeting of the board today, when a comprehensive report on building requirements was submitted by the medical superintendent, Dr .J. \Y. Hall. The needs included a new maternity annexe, an infirmary ward for males and females, new children's ward, new operating theatre, and other additions.

The report was referred to the Building Committee, but steps are to be taken by the board regarding the annexe. ESTATE TRUSTEES DISPUTE Concluding argument by counsel was heard by Mr .Justice Callan all day vesterdav in the action for the removal of two of four of the trustees in the estate of the late Mrs Agnes Nina Casement Bland lord. The plaintiffs are Airs Eleanor Kathleen Elizabeth Crenghe, Miss Molly Creaghe, and Mrs ICdith McCravv (Mr A. K. Turner), and the defendants Roger Casement Aickin and Arthur I,eland Aickin (Mr North). Counsel's addresses were not completed when the Court rose, and the hearing will be continued today.