MISSING FURNITURE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 688, 13 June 1929, Page 16

MISSING FURNITURE

THEFT CHARGE DENIED JURY FAILS TO AGREE (From Our Oxen CorrespondentJ HAMILTON. Wednesday. After Vlademar Knight Vail had been tried in the Supreme Court today on a charge of stealing furniture and other articles from an unoccupied house in Morrinsville, the jury failed to agree and a new trial was ordered. James Reid Stewart, a surveyor, said that during 1926 he was absent from the house. When he returned the goods enumerated in the indictment were missing. He identified the articles produced as his property. Evidence that Vail had occupied a house not far from Stewart’s in Morrinsville in 1926 was given by Charles Davidson. Constable Clifford, of Kerepeehi, said that he searched prisoner’s house at Turua. Vail said he had been expecting a visit from the police for some time. Witness found the goods produced. Some of the books bore Stewart’s name. Accused said he had bought some of the goods from a man named Young, who assured him they were his, while others were found in the house he took over at Morrinsville. The clock he said was a keepsake from his mother. Thomas Charles Young, prospector, of Waiorongomai. denied that lie had ever sold any of the goods mentioned to Vail. Accused assured the court he had obtained the goods in the way he had stated to the constable. Corroborative evidence was given by his wife.