DISHONESTY OPPOSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 625, 30 March 1929, Page 11

DISHONESTY OPPOSED

CHINESE AND THEFT FINE FOR COUNTRYMAN How Chinese tolerate gambling and opium smoking by their countrymen, but strongly oppose dishonesty, was told when Kew Wau was charged with theft this morning in the Police Court. Mr. Ah Kew, appearing for the accused, explained the circumstances] of accused’s lapse and was thanked by Chief-Detective Hammond, conducting the case for the police. Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., considered that the accused’s action warranted punishment and fined him £5. Kew admitted the theft of a watch and a chain, an American gold piece and! a sovereign case, of a total value of £l6, from Charlie Hong Joong. He was further ordered to make restitution and, in default of payment, will be imprisoned for two months. “The accused will be amply punished by the Chinese in Auckland,” Mr. Ah Kew informed the court. “Although Chinese may be indifferent to opium smoking or gambling, they think differently of theft or dishonesty.” Mr. Ah Kew said that Kew had been out of work. He had visited Joong’s shop in New North Road and had fallen to a temptation to steal in order to pay his fare Jlo Te Awamutu, where he had a sick brother. Kew would make restitution. When he was in Hamilton Chines© telephoned him concerning the theft, and he returned to Auckland immediately to give himself up to the police. Kew was a first offender. Counsel asked for probation or a fine. -It is correct that Kew wYls attempting to raise funds to visit his sick brother,” said Mr. Hammond, in thanking Mr. Ah Kew for his explanation. “Kew visited two pawnbrokers and obtained £ 4 15s for the stolen articles. “I believe that the Chinese were instrumental in getting him to return to Auckland. A Hindu went to Joong’s shop the same day as Kew and the Chinese had him under very strong suspicion. They were loath to believe that their countrymen w r ould steal.” Mr. McKean: Then the accused Is not likely to be assisted by the Chinese if he is fined. Mr. Ah Kew: lie has countrymen who are prepared to assist him and get him from the city. Mr. Ah Kew added that the Chinese would be prepared to redeem the amount involved by Kew’s theft.