THE ARMAGH’S BLANKETS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12718, 13 August 1919, Page 6

THE ARMAGH’S BLANKETS.

STEWARD CHARGED WITH THEFT. [Per Press Association.] WAXGANGI, August 12. Another case arising out of the re* cent visit of the Home steamer Armagh to the Wanganui roadstead was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when Joseph’ George Abbott, a steward on that steamer, was charged with stealing nineteen blankets, the property of the Imperial Government. The police stated that the lighter Shamrock tendered the Armagh in the roadstead, her crew including James Irvine (master), Monte Waller (engi- ; tteer) and Placed Finnin (greaser). Waller bought the blankets from accused, and they were brought ashore. Subsequently the police recovered eleven blankets from Waller, ten from Firmin, and three from Irvine. Waller, in giving evidence, said ho went on the Armagh and was approached by the accused, who offered to sell him "fifteen or sixteen blankets for £3. ! Witness accepted the offer, and they were subsequently delivered on the lighterFirmin said he saw a man throw four sacks of blankets over the side of the Armagh. Witness bought ten for 30s from Waller. Hugh M’Dermott, acting-mate of the lighter, said he saw the accused throw two sacks over the side. Irvine, the master of the lighter, stated that Firmin passed the blankets down into the cabin, and witness helped to stow them away. "Wilfred James, purser on the Armagh, said that the vessel had been engaged as a troopship, and at Sydney ho took over and tallied 7000 blankets. They were valued by the Imperial Government at los each. Accused bore a good character. Abbott pleaded not guilty, and vra* committed for trial to the Supremo Court.