STOLE LEVY BOOK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20360, 18 July 1934, Page 7

STOLE LEVY BOOK.

Man Had Not Registered Under Act. FINES IMPOSED. In the Magistrate's Court to-day before Mr H. P. La wry, SM, Edward William Madden, alias John Thomas Robb, an engine driver, 37 years of age, was charged with stealing a coupon levy book, valued at Is, the property of J. T. Robb. , Sub-Inspector Powell said that Kobb, a relief worker, had given Madden a bed for two nights, but Madden when he left took Robb’s levy book. Madden had not registered under the l. :i----emplovment Act and had not paid any levies. . The Magistrate (to Madden): hat do you want to say? Accused: I don’t want to say anything. What did ycu take the book for? It was really given to me. For one thing, I think you are a liar. You had better be frank before • I sentence }*ou —I did take it. Then why did you say you tried to shield someone else in your statement? You have no explanation?—No. Then you will be fined £2 and costs. Labour Department Case. Madden was next charged bj' the Labour Department with failing to register under the Unemployment Act, failing to pay fourteen levies and making a false statement tor the purpose of obtaining benefits under the Act. Mr Bailey said that Madden called at the Christchurch office, giving the name of Robb, to register. He was asked for his levy book and produced one showing that the last payment Lad been made at Timaru. Particulars were taken and he was told to report in seven days’ time. The department had a system whereby it knew where the book was last presented. The Christchurch office got in touch with Timaru and received the information that the man Robb was still in Timaru but had lost his levy book. “ Robb is a relief worker struggling for existence,” said Mr Bailey, “ and this was the return he got from Madden for his hospitality.” “It is the worst case I have had under the Unemployment Act since I have been sitting here,” said the Magistrate. “ There has not been a worse case, and there have been some pretty bad ones. I will fine you £lO and costs for failing to register.” The accused started to leave the dock but was called back by the Magistrate. “ What are you in such a hurry to get away for? There are about twenty charges against you.” “ He told me to go,” said accused, nodding at a constable. “ Well,” said the Magistrate, “ I did not tell you to go. For making a false statement you will be fined £5 and costs, and on the fourteen charges of failing to pav the levies you will be convicted and ordered to come up within twelve months if called on.”