BORSTAL FOR “SHEIK”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 793, 14 October 1929, Page 16

BORSTAL FOR “SHEIK”

MAORI YOUTH’S FORGERY TWO YEARS’ DETENTION Described as one of Te Kuiti’s ‘ sheiks,” who had forged and uttered a cheque in order to buy clothes to ■flash himself round town,” a Maori youth, Dick Nikora. was committed to the Borstal Institute for two year’s tor this offence by Mr. Justice Smith In the Supreme Court today. Pleading for Nikora’s admission to probation, - ~ble said that he had known the lad in Te Kuiti, where Le was working for liis uncle. A cheque addressed to his relative had arrived .;t the uncle's home, and prisoner took and cashed it. Counsel ventured *h. opinion that if the uncle had known that his nephew was responsible no action would have been taken. His Honour commented that the youth had twice previously been convicted for theft. “He seems to be one of the local sheilcs” who like to dress up to flash themselves round town,” remarked counsel. "You would see some astonishing sights there of a Saturday night.” "You may have desired money to appear a ‘young man about town,’ but you must not get it at the expense of someone else,” his Honour told the prisoner. In view of the two previous convictions, the judge said he could not grant probation.