“A. BIT OF A MYSTERY”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19368, 27 July 1925, Page 5

“A. BIT OF A MYSTERY”

A YOUNG GIRL’S LAPSE. An unusual story concerning the depredations of a girl aged 154 years, was narrated by Detective-Sergeant Gourley and Detective Revolt at the Juvenile Court on Saturday. The young woman appeared charged with a series of thefts, which, according to her mother, were brought about by the fact that she had acquired extravagant habits. She was charged with the theft of a gold watch valued at £5, a lady’s handbag of the value of £1 15s, a ring worth ss, and 10s in money, the property of Jane Brewer. Coupled with these counts was a. charge also of attempting to defraud the firm of Warnock and Co., of goods valued at £5 5s 6(1. Detective Revell informed tho Court that in consequence of complaints received, he, in company with DetectiveSergeant Gourley, interviewed the girl, who admitted obtaining the articles from Warnock’s, and with the theft of the property belonging to Mrs Brewer. Some of the goods were located in different second-hand shops. The girl explained that the thefts were committed at a time when Mrs Brower was not at home. The watch was sold to a dealer for 4s, and the ring to another dealer for the sum of 2s. Tho youthful defendant informed tho detective that she had acquired the habit of selling articles to second hand dealers some five years ago. Detective-Sergeant Gourley also gave evidence. Tie stated that the charges under review had given him cause for consideration. Tho girl, when first questioned, had nominated various places as her abode, and denied, further, all knowledge of the offences. Tho detective added that on one occasion ho accompanied tho defendant to a residence in Aramoho, whore she claimed to reside, and all but succeeded in con vincing witness that she really did live at this particular residence. The girl was tho “biggest mystery I have come across in my experience for one of her tender years.” At the time tho thefts were committed the defendant was not in employment, and was in the habit of going to pictures and dances. Tn answer to the bench, tho girl said she had nothing to say. The Magistrate* ordered the defendant to come up for sentence next Saturday. Meanmhile a report on her conduct, which would bo closely observed, will be obtained from the probation officer.