LYTTELTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6140, 29 March 1898, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

Tuesday, Maech 9. (Before Mr A. Chalmers, J.P., and Mr S.E. Webb, J.P.) Larceny. — Eichard James Tredenniclr (14), Daniel Bamford (11), [ Eichard Phillips (111), FrederickHaliiday (14) and , Thomas Halliday; (11), were 'charged with stealing ; 2*cwt of : boat nails- the property I .of Malcolm Miller. Bamford and Thomas Halliday" pleaded not guilty ; the others admitted having . taken some nails. Malcolm Miller, master shipwright, Dampier's Bay, identified the nails, which, he missed about March 19, and saw them on Monday night at a Chinaman's place. He valued them at about £7. Constable Connell deposed that the Chinaman admitted having bought nails from boys. At first he said he did not know what he had given, but afterwards that it was 12s. Bon Wye deposed that he had bought nails from Trendennick and Bamford, who came three times to his place, accompanied by the other boys. They sold sometimes 28lb, sometimes 341 b. He paid 12s for the. whole lot. The accused consented to have the oases dealt. with in the lower court. The Bench said they were not satisfied that Thomas Halliday had been an active partner, and he would be discharged. As to the others, it was difficult to deal with such young offenders. Where money had passed, as in this case, it appeared to the Bench that the parents were morally as much to blame as the youngsters. The case might be met by the infliction of a penalty of 10s, with costs, on each of the four boys, in default a proportionate term of imprisonment. All the #tolen property would be returned to Mr Miller, as the Chinaman deserved to lose his twelve shillings.