"NO MORAL VICE”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12527, 17 August 1926, Page 6

"NO MORAL VICE”

YOUNG DOMESTIC’S TROUBLE THEFT OF WEARING APPAREL CRAZE FOR DANCING Phoebe Maria Welch Ingram, a domestic ol seventeen, left her home in sunny Nelson because of her father's disapproval of her craze for dancing. She drifted into Wellington two months ago, and since, her principal occupations, it would seem, have been those of frequenting dance halls, keeping company with a woman of a bad moral character, and removing articles of clothing from various places at which she had been staying. Her bent in this direction led her to tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, where she was called upon to answer four charges in respect to the theft of wearing apparel to the total value of approximately £32. Chief-Detective AVard pr: jsnted the facts of tho case, and explained that this was not Phoebe’s first appearance before the court. Mr J. Scott appealed for the leniency of probation for the accused — she was just at an ago when she would be responsive to such treatment. Her father, who had quarrelled with her concerning her dancing, said that there was no moral vice in the gii'l, and he was prepared to take her back borne and look after her. On the recommendation of the probation officer, the accused Was admitted to two years’ probation, a condition of her release being that she mUst return to her home and stay there. The magistrate reminded the girl that the charges were serious, and she need not expect further loniertcv if she unproved before the court nqo.in. Phe was also ordered to nay £4 6s fid. fhe amount of depredation mused to the articles stolen.