“GREAT OLD THIEF”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 591, 18 February 1929, Page 1

“GREAT OLD THIEF”

LONE AGED MAORI SENT TO PRISON STOLE FROM CHINESE "He is a great old thief and clever into the bargain," said Chief-Detective Hammond of Te Haurangi, an aged Maori, who pleaded guilty at the Police Court this morning on six charges of theft. Haurangi was sentenced to a total of two years’ imprisonment. Haurangi, a Maori labourer aged 57, but looking considerably older, pleaded guilty to six charges of thefts from Chinese. The total amount of property stolen was valued at £72 Is and all the offences were committed in the Mangere and Panmure districts between December and the beginning of February. The charges were originally theft from dwellings and included a charge of breaking and entering and one of stealing goods valued at over £IOO. On the application of Mr. Hammond the charge Involving the largest sum of money was withdrawn and the remaining half-dozen reduced to common theft so that Haurangi could be dealt with summarily. Haurangi, a stooping grey-bearded Maori, with but little hair left on liis head, said nothing during the hearing, only nodding his head when asked to plead. “There are a good many charges, but I suppose I can deal with them adequately,” remarked Mr. \V. R. McKean, S.M. “Haurangi, who lives by himself in what he calls a pa at Te Papapa, knows the habits of the Chinese gardeners who live in the neighbourhood,” continued Mr. Hammond. “He has sneaked in while they were out gardening and taken what he wanted. He has spent all the money in a very short-time, but Maoris can always do that.” Mr. Hammond mentioned that Haurangi was an habitual criminal and had been up before Mr. F. K. Hunt, j S.M., two months ago when he was l given a chance. He had started steal- | ing in 1893. Sentence of one year's imprisonment | on each of two charges was imposed, the terms to be cumulative.