“PAIR OF DRUNKS”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17228, 7 April 1930, Page 10

“PAIR OF DRUNKS”

CONVERSION OF CAR

RINGLEADER SENT TO GAOL

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, last night

The story of another "converted’’ motor car was unravelled at the Police Court on Saturday, when L. Brandon Collins, 26, farmer, and Thomas John Higgins, 47, butcher, were charged with having converted to their own use a £250 motor car belonging to George Wellesley Spencer. There was a, further charge against Collins ’of having driven without a license.

Mr. J. F. W. Dickson pleaded guilty for Collins and not, guilty for Higgins. Senior-Sergeant O’Grady told how the two men were seen driving a car from where it was parked in Hobson street. Two of Spencer’s employees’gave chase on a motor cycle and side-car, and eventually the car was ■stopped and a policeman, who was called, arrested Collins. The other man got away, hut lie was arrested subsequently'. Each made a statement blaming' the other. Mr. Dickson suggested that, Collins was responsible for the escapade, as Higgins could no! drive a- car. Higgins was a, returned soldier with a wooden leg, and lie was in receipt of n pension.

Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.: ‘■‘They are simply a pair of drunks'/’ The magistrate sentenced Collins (o three months’ gaol on the charge of converting the car and recorded a conviction oil the i’harge of driving without, a license. Higgins was given the option of going to Rotoroa for 12 months or to prison for three months. He choso the Island.