ALLEGED EXTENSIVE THEFTS

NZ Truth, Issue 578, 15 July 1916, Page 8

ALLEGED EXTENSIVE THEFTS

Sensational Disclosures Promised

Detective Mick Mason Makes Arrests

For some time post Detective Michael Mason has been working like a Trojan to find out what was becoming of certain patent medicines belonging to Messrs. Sharland and Co. - As a result of his indefatigable efforts he has made a number of arrests.

James O'Connor, described as a laborer, 37 years of age, R.C., one of the alleged thieves, was originally charged before Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, S.M., with the theft of such goods as Wood's Great Peppermint Cure, Doan'B Backache Pills and various other drugs and-con-diments to the total value of £21 12s 6d.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Mr. P. J- O'Regan and remanded, ball being allowed m the sum of' £100.

When O'Connor appeared, on remand, on Friday, Chief- detective Boddam aakad for a further remand until next Wednesday. '•--.' Mr. P. J. O'Regan, who appeared for the accused, stated that accused had already been remanded five times and he (Mr. O'Regan) wanted a definite fixture made for the hearing of the charge against O'Connor. The Chief-detective said that fresh developments were cropping up every day. Already four additional arrest* bad been made, hence the delay. Ho hoped to be In the position next Wednesday to ask the Magistrate to fix a definite date for tho hearing of all the charges. John Thomas Morris waa charged on Tuesday, before Mr. I>. O. A. Cooper, S.M., wtth that he did obtain "certain patent medicines" to tho total value of £66, the property of Sharland and Co, the some having been stolen. The accused, who is a grocer of Cam-bridge-terrace* 46 years of age, and a Presbyterian, pleaded not guilty to the charge. , \ He was represented by Mr. H. P. O'Leary and was remanded, bail being allowed as atwve. James Hellawen, another grocer, of Courtenay-place, was also charged, on the same day, with receiving patent medicines to the value of £127 Is 6d, the same being goods which had been alleged to havo been stolen from Messrs. Sharland and Co., between August 12, 1916, and June 15, 1916. Bail was also allowed m his case m tho sum of £100. Tho accused In this caso was represented by Mr. T. M. Wilford. On Monday, James Henry Bray, appeared before Magistrate I* V G. Reid, and was charged with tho tnoft of a quantity of patent medicines, the property of Messrs. Sharland and Co., on various dates bo twee n October 10, 1916, and Juno 14, 1916. The total value of the goods alleged to havo been stolen amounts to £150.

Accused, who is set down as bolng a Baptist, 83 years of age, wae represented by Mr. P. J. O'Roiran. and pleaded not guilty, ball being allowed m accused's own bond of £75 and a surety for a similar sum.

On Thursday, Albert Ralnsford Haslom was charged with the theft of a cask of vinegar, valued at £1 16s, the property of Messrs. Sharland and Co. This accused is not alleged to be connected with tho other cases. Accused, who la a Presbyterian, 86 years of age, was represented by Mr. H. P. O'Leary, and was admitted to ball for one week m hia own surety of £25. , Tho prosecution, Jn all tho cases, is In the hands of Chief Detective Boddam, who asked for all remands on bohalf of tho Department, and something sensational is promised m tho evidences which die detectives have m hand.