Pillaging Alleged

NZ Truth, Issue 1029, 15 August 1925, Page 5

Pillaging Alleged

Missing Chinaware

(From "Truth's" Taranaki Rep.)

An allegation that he ,had pillaged a quantity of chinaware, described as "classic Shelley ware," from a case imported by Carter and Sons, Ltd., was preferred against a young wharf laborer, John Matthews, of Moturoa, m the Magisrate's Court at New Plymouth.

The case was landed. at New Plymouth on January 8, and, on opening it, Carter's found that portion of the contents was missing. The value of the. absent articles was £4 4s 6d. The matter was placed m the hands of the police, and some time later Constable Parkinson discovered that a Miss Wilson, of St. Aubyn Street, had m her possession a saucer bearing a maker's number similar to that of one of the missing saucers. A cup and saucer were also traced to Arthur E. Howlett, a billiard saloon keeper. Both of 'these people said the goods had been left with them by the accused.

"I know who has put me away," the accused was alleged to have said when he was asked to accompany the constable to the police station. He further added that he knew why "he put me away." In a statement made to the police, Matthews said he had found the goods m a railway truck at the wharf and had given part of them to Howlett. __ He made no further explanation.

Matthews reserved his defence, and was committed for trial m the Supreme Court. Bail was allowed : m self at £50 arid two sureties of £50 each or one of £100.