The Digger

NZ Truth, Issue 1146, 17 November 1927, Page 7

The Digger

"THIS is the man who was digging' up the streets," said Chief Detective Cummings m describing George Edward Cox, a youth of 19, who appeared before Magistrate Hunt at the Auckland Police Court, charged with the theft of a racing cycle, the property of Alexander Sutherland, and valued at £20.

Cox had been brought up previously bn the same charge and was remanded for. medical observation, owing to his peculiar behavior.

He had represented to a number of workmen that he was a draining contractor; on the pretext that he had authority from the City Council, he set a gang of men to work with pick and shovel tearing up sections of the city highways.

"The medical examination reveals nothing to be wrong with him," added Chief Detective Cummings.

Probation Officer Campbell informed the' bench that Cox — after serving a term of reformative treatment — had been placed m country employment, but refused to stay there and returned to town.

The probation officer's recommendation for a term of Borstal detention was adopted by the S.M. and Cox was committed for two years.