CHARGES OF WHOLESALE THEFT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15099, 23 March 1911, Page 9

CHARGES OF WHOLESALE THEFT.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BEFORE THE COURT.

A further development took place in tho City Police Court yesterday morning, before- Mr H. Y. Widdowsoii, S.M., in tho cases which have been engaging ■the attention of the local detective force for some time. Yesterday's cases are, in a measure, connected with tho cases in which two young men vuero before the court on Tuesday morning, one charged with stealing from Mrs Dmaver's goods to tho value of £20, and the other with stealing goods alleged to be stolen from the D.I.C. As the result of inquiries mado subsequent to the arrest of these two young men, Detective Thomson on. Tuesday night arrested Frances Elizabeth Bell, a widow, who had boon employed at the D.I.C, and Utterly at Mrs Driver's, and her. daughter, Frances Elizabeth Beatrice Bell.

Frances Elizabeth Beatrice Bell was charged with between January 1 and February 28 last receiving certain goods valued at £20, well knowing the same to have been stolen. .Accused was represented by Mr A. C. Hanlon. Chief-detective Herbert Slid (hat accused was employed as a shop assistant at the City Boot Palace. Mio stated that sh'o went to Mrs Dreaver's and there received from nn employee who had already been before the court tho ivods alleged to have been stolen. After being interviewed by Detectives Thompson a.ml Mitchell, and a search made of her mother's house, a Urge quantity of goods woro taken possession ofby the detectives. Accused had since made a written and signed statement admitting that sho received these goods knowing them to have been stolen. A largo quantity of goods had been seized, and for tho purpose of inquiring into the whole matter he would ask for a remand until Wednesday next. Tho application -was granted, bail bok» allowed in accused's own recognisance of £50. and two sureties of £25 each, or one of £50/ -

This girl's mother, Frances Elizabeth Bill, was then charged with between tl.e years of 1908 and 1910 stealing Doultonw.ire and glassware valued at £50, tho property of the D.I.C. Mr Hanlon appeamd to defend.

A remand till Wednesday next was also asked for in this case. Tho ehief-detsctivo stated that during the years mentioned accused was employed as an assistant in the crockery and glassware department of the D.I.C, and during that time took the articles. Shb admitted taking some of thorn away herself, and sending others in parcels to her house. .Accused was a widow living with her daughter in George street. Other charges were pending against her of stealing goods from Mrs Dreaver's.

Tho Magistrate: This 'oems to be a moro serious charge than the other. The Chiof-detoctivci'Oh! Yes. Tho remand was granted, hail being allowed accused in lier own recognisance, of £100, and two sureties of £59,"0r ono of £100.

At the present all the poods which have been seized are set out in . the detective office, which' resembles a drapery and glassware establishment. There is a large collection of costly Uoultonwarc and glassware valued nt about £50. The collection also includes crockery, cutlery, rolls jf silks, linen dress fabrics, opera coats, gloves, hosiery, underclothing, boots, and shoos. Seven largo cases, all packed with now goods, were taken from Mrs Boll's house by Detective Thompson and removed to the police station. Yesterday a number of tho articles wove identified by Mrs Drearer, including some valuable feathers, as having been taken from her shop.