“RINGING THE CHANGES”

Southland Times, Issue 23227, 16 June 1937, Page 15

“RINGING THE CHANGES”

SPIELER-SHOWMAN FINED CONFECTIONER NOT TO BE CAUGHT (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 15. Because of an investigation in the Magistrate’s Court this morning of a financial transaction, a showman, Robert Ernest Larkin, aged 42 years, will have to pay a fine of £5 or spend 21 days in prison. Larkin was charged with attempting to steal 10/- from Winifred Waite on June 10, and pleaded not guilty. Mrs Waite, of Queen street, a confectioner, gave evidence that Larkin entered the shop shortly after 8.30 on Thursday evening last, ordered a milk shake, and tendered a 10/- note. She handed him 9/8 change. “He then pulled out some silver and asked me to return the ten-shilling note,” said Mrs Waite. “He also asked me to give him £1 for it. I could, see he was trying to ‘ring the changes on me. He kept calling me Senorita and talking about Mexico. I then told him to go. He showed signs of having had liquor.” Defending counsel, Mr Aekms, contended that Larkin only asked for his ten shillings back. Mr W. R. McKean, S.M.: Oh, no. He was after something more. I am quite sure he was trying to ring the changes.” He is convicted. Is anything known about him?” . •. Detective-Sergeant McHugh: Quite a lot, sir. Larkin is known to the police as a showman, spieler, and “hotel barber.” He lives by taking people down. This is one of his methods—to ring the changes. . . „ , „ Mr Aekms: That is not so. He has been working. He buys goods from warehouses and sells, them. He has not been in any serious trouble tor three years. I think if you prohibited him and gave him a chance he would be all right. . “I don’t think so,” said the magistrate, looking at the list of convictions. Mr Aekins asked for a week in which tO Th/ Magistrate: No! He will have no time in which to pay.