THEFT OF NETTING

Southland Times, Issue 22498, 7 December 1934, Page 8

THEFT OF NETTING

PROBATION GRANTED.

(From Our Correspondent.)

In the Winton Police Court on Wednesday morning, Raymond William Canning, of Tussock Creek, was charged with the theft of a rail and petting valued at £1 1/6, the property of Daniel James Cuttance, on or about October 23 at Tussock Creek. Accused was not represented by counsel, and in electing to be dealt with summarily pleaded guilty. Constable W. Cooper explained that accused worked on a rabbit lorry, and on or about October 23 helped himself to a coil of netting. Accused saw the netting when passing and went back that night and cut 37 yards of it from a new coil and removed it to his place at Tussock Creek. Accused was a relief worker, was 27 years of age and was married with three of a family. Accused was not in good circumstances. The Magistrate (to accused): What is the idea? Accused: I put in a garden last year and the sheep got in and that is what I was going to use the netting for. The Magistrate: Because your sheep get in your garden that does not mean to say that you can come and take my wire. What are you going to do about it? Can you pay for it?

Accused: Yes. Mr Levvey: You have a wife and three children otherwise I would be pretty sharp with you. It is an audacious theft, going and taking something because you want it. I will let you off lightly this time and place you on probation for 12 months and give you a week to pay for the netting.