YOUTHS’ BEHAVIOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1935, Page 12

YOUTHS’ BEHAVIOUR

PASSING TRAFFIC STOPPED. DRIVERS’ TICKETS DEMANDED. “It'may have seemed a joke at the time but it was not a joke fox- others and' .your actions were not excusable because it was April 1,” said Mr. W. H. Woodward, S.M., in the Inglewood Police Court on Friday when, pleading guilty to a charge of behaving in a disorderly manner, Newton Campbell Franklyn, aged 18, and Edward Standing, aged 20, were fined £2 each, with costs 10s. The incidents occurred aftex - t'qe youths had attended a party in Rinlu Street, Inglewood. Gaining possession of a fireman's forage cap Franklyn stopped passing traffic and demanded to see driving licenses. The pah- had arrived at a party at 9.30 p.m., said Constable Graham, and did not leave till about 11 p.m. In the meantime they consumed a quantity of liquor. When going along the street they threw stones on the houses of residents. It was known to them that one of the householders was not at home and' his wife was alone. In Rata Street Franklyn, despite the remonstrances of the owner, took possession of the forage cap of a passing fireman. Wearing the cap he proceeded to stop passing traffic and demanded the drivers’ licenses. A number- of motorists stopped and produced their tickets, while others, recognising Franklyn, continued past him. A cyclist appeared and' Franklyn jumped on the machine behind. He took possession of the bicycle and, circling round and round, finally crashed, causing minor- damage to the bicycle. Both the accused were making considerable noise and their behaviour was vex-y discreditable, said the constable. He thought they should be given a severe reprimand. He had had to complain of disorderly behaviour previously, and Standing, who throughout the foregoing incidents had stood on the footpath taking no part but encouraging his companion, had been'before the court previously on a charge of using obscene language. “I will endeavour to keep out of trouble,” said Franklyn when asked) if he had anything to say. Standing’s request for a week within which to pay the fine was acceded tt>.