NINE CHARGES OF THEFT

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1932, Page 8

NINE CHARGES OF THEFT

CHARLES HATCHER SENTENCED TERM IN BORSTAL INSTITUTION After discharge ’from a reformative institution, Charles Edward Hatcher went to Kaponga and later to Norfolk Road, Inglewood. He finally established himself in a shack in some bush off Norfolk Road and made it his headquarters, whence he made excursions and committed petty thefts. The theft of Colin Webber’s cycle from Stratford on May 21 led to his undoing, for the police traced him to Tariki and after a cross-country chase he was arrested on Tuesday. Hatcher appeared at the Stratford Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to nine charges of theft arising from the discovery of stolen property in his hut. The charges set out that he stole a rug at Inglewood valued at £l, an overcoat at Stratford (15s), two rugs at Stratford (£2), a cycle at Stratford (£10), a pair of boots at Stratford (18s), a man’s hat, pair of sox and a silver ’watch chain at Stratford (£5 2s), a suit and a pair of braces at Stratford (£4 18s 6d), and a pair of gum boots (17s 6d). The total amount involved was £42 15s and the offences were committed during the past year. In outlining the circumstances Sergeant 'Power suggested that a long period of reformative detention would meet the case. ’

Hatcher was sentenced to not more than three years in a Borstal institution.

REST HOUSE FOR UNEMPLOYED.

COUNCIL AUTHORISES REPAIRS.

The rest house at Stratford for travelling unemployed is to be’ put into good order as the Stratford Borough Council empowered two councilolrs last night to spend up to £lO on repairs to the building. Cr. R. F. Harkness said he had inspected the rest house and did not consider it fit for men to live in in its present condition. The council, he said, did not have to pay rent for the house, and surely it could afford to give the men reasonably decent accommodation. The engineer was instructed to repair the building immediately under the direction of Councillors C. R. Finnerty and Harkness, who were given power to spend up to £lO.

STRATFORD’S DOMAINS.

MEETING OF THE BOARD.

Prior to the meeting of the Stratford Borough Council last night, members sat as the Domain Board, Mr. H. C. North also being present. Mr. P. Thomson (Mayor) presided. Mr. C. Moore wrote suggesting that the dead trees in the belt growing in Regan Street west be removed and new' ones planted to take their place. He advocated that each tree be dug round to a radius of three feet so as to give them a chance. The present was, a good time to plant trees. The engineer (Mr. L. B. Davis) said he thought only five of the trees were dead but another 12 would be needed to complete the planting to the eastern end. The Mayor considered the matter could well be left over for a month or two. The letter was received and the question deferred until next meeting. The Stratford Ladies’ Hockey Club wrote enclosing £1 for the use of the hockey ground in Victoria Park, the secretary stating that the club had 20 financial members. ACTIVITIES OF THE W.D.F.U.

MEETING OF TOKO BRANCH.

The Toko branch of the W.D.F.U. held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, when there was a fair attendance. Motions of sympathy were passed respecting the death of Mrs. Kilsky’s father and the illness of Mrs. Kay’s mother and Mrs. Symonds. Arrangements were made for the reception of Mrs. C. C. Jackson, Dominion president, w'ho intends visiting all branches on the Toko line.

The president presented a gift to Mrs. J. Butler, who is leaving the district, where she has lived all her life, and expressed appreciation of the work done by both Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Symonds, who is also leaving the district. Mrs. Langlands, a new member, suggested that they should have silent pictures in Toko hall to help swell the funds, a small amount to be charged.

MANAIA LADIES’ GOLF.

MATCH AGAINST PATEA.

The Manaia Ladies’ Golf Club played a match against Patea at Manaia last week, winning by 4 to 3. The results are, Manaia players being mentioned first: Mrs. Instone and Miss C. Lloyd 1 up from Mrs. Glenny and Miss Hemmingway, Miss Ryan and Miss Clague 4 and 3 from Miss Harris and Miss Bourke, Mrs. Spooner and Mrs. Meuli 1 up from Miss N. Hurley and Miss Crawford, Miss D. Paterson and Miss Armitage lost 4 and 3 to Mrs. Crompton and Miss Carey, Mrs. Winter and Mrs. Paterson 3 and 2 from Miss O’Sullivan and Mrs. Withers, Miss Elliott and Mrs. A. J. Christie lost 1 down to Mrs. Gibbs and Miss Honeyficld, Mrs. Innes and Mrs. McKay lost 1 down, to Miss Papps and Mrs. Findlay. Following is the draw for the Manaia ladies’ championships:— _ Senior: Mrs. Instone v." Miss C. Lloyd, Mrs. Spooner v. Mrs. H. Christie, Miss Ryan v. Mrs. Meuli, Miss Clague v. Mrs. Cottrell.

Junior: Miss Hillis v. Miss D. Paterson, Mrs. Winter v. Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Paterson v. Mrs. Innes, Mrs. A. J. Christie v. Miss Hughes, Miss Elliott v» Miss Vine, Miss Armitage v. Mrs. McKay. C Grade: Miss D. McKay v. Mrs. Browning, Miss Hobday a bye, Miss Calder v. Miss Wood, Miss B. Paterson v. Miss K. Patterson, Miss N. Christie v. Mrs. Crompton. ELTHAM LADIES’ GOLF CLUB. Following are the best cards for the L.G.U. medal round played on Friday: — Mrs. H. Lambie 100—25 —75, Miss Townsent 95 —19—76, Miss L. Ritter 97 —19— 78. Mrs. Lambie reduces her handicap to 22.