INGRATITUDE

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3323, 26 November 1883, Page 2

INGRATITUDE

One of the meanest thefts that has come under our notice for some time past, (says an Auckland paper), was somewhat inadequately punished by the Justices presiding at the Police Court. The prisoner, John Milne, came to Mr Gleeson’s hotel in August last. He re. presented to Mr Gleeson that he had just left the Hospital, that he had no money or friends, and begged to be allowed to remain fora week, in order that he might look about for employment. Mr Gleeson readily consented, and placed the fellow on the free list for board and lodging. He repaid the kindness of his charitable host by going into Mrs Gleeson’s bedroom and stealing out of a case, a silver knife and fork, part of a set (the spoon having been taken out of the case previously by Mrs Gleeson). These he pawned at Hart’s pawnshop for 4s. The prisoner is evidently an expert thief. He has just completed a sentence of two months for stealing an overcoat, which he also pawned, and while the pawnbroker was writing the ticket for this he secured a leather belt which was hanging in the shop amongst a number of others. This was discovered and identified when he was being searched by the police. The prisoner is a comparative stranger in town, and is said to have come from Waikato.