EXTENSIVE THEFT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 26

EXTENSIVE THEFT.

AUCKLAND, August 5

Aia unusual type of theft occupied the attention of Mr F. V. Frazer, S.M., at the Police Court this morning, when a well-dressed man, Arthur Robert Paine, was charged that yesterday he stole a of white boots, of the value of 10s

Chief Detective M'Mahon said the accused was a man who had held a good position and had excellent references. He made up his mind to take a trip to the Old Country, and he and his wife and child had * made all They had taken tickets and put their luggage aboard the Sydney boat. Accused yesterday morning went into a boot shop and asked to be shown some white boots. The salesman was called away to the telephone, but before he left accused said to him : “ I’ll call again at 2 o’clock. Have a pair of 10’s ready for me,” The salesman came back to find Paine gone, and he noticed also that one of the boxes that had contained a pair of white boots was empty. Information was given to the police, and Paine was arrested aboard the boat in the evening. Accused admitted the theft, and had nothing else to say. He was convicted and fined £5 and costs (12s).