MAIN TRUNK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 370, 13 September 1930, Page 12

MAIN TRUNK

TAIHAPE THEFT OF SHAWL On July 10 last—the date of the Taihape Golf Club’s dance —a lady’s shawl was taken from a seat in the Three Stars Theatre and all efforts made by the owner to trace the shawl were rosultless. Imagine her surprise when she noticed a young Maori woman wearing the missing shawl at the Taihape Fire Bribade Ball on Thursday evening. The police ■were informed and the native woman was arrested. Molly Williams, a native, aged 25 years, pleaded guilty in the Taihape Police Court yesterday to the theft of one lady’s shawl, valued at £lO, the property of Mrs T. C. Kincaid. On a further charge of drunkenness she also made a plea of guilty. Sergeant Joyce appeared for the police and accused was represented by Mr R. C. Ongley. In outlining the facts of the case the sergeant said that tne complainant Mrs Kincaid attended a golf club dance in the three Stars Theatre on July 10 last. She left her shawl on one of the scats prior to leaving the hall for a short time. Upon returning she discovered that the shawl was missing and a thorough search madfe, both during and after the dan-ce, was fruitless. The police were notified and an advertisement was inserted in the local paper but there was still no trace of the missing shawl. Accused was observed to be wearing the shawl at the Fire Brigade Ball on Thursday evening and was arrested by Constable Corston. She was drunk and would give no information on Thursday evening to the police regarding the shawl. However, the following morning she told witness she saw the shawl lying on one of the seats at the Three Stars Theatre and took it because she, thought it belonged to one of her party.' She alleged she had not used it. In conclusion Sergeant Joyce said tne shawl was valued at £lO although it would cost more than that to replace it- It was now of no use to the owner. He would suggest that defendant be placed on probation for 12 months, a condition being that she abstain from liquor and keep away from dances. He would also ask that she be ordered to pay £lO, the value of the shawl.

Mr Ongley expressed the opinion that a term of probation would meet the circumstances. He said accused had told him she took the shawl because she thought it belonged to one of the native girls who went to the dance with her. Defendant, however had done nothing when she found her assumption in this connection was incorrect and it was here that she had erred. Counsel suggested that it was woman’s vanity and love of clothes that caused defendant to keep the shawl and wear it at a public dance. Accused was convicted on the charge of theft and placed on probation for 12 months, a condition being that she abstain from liquor and keep away from dances. She wa« ordered to pay £lO, the value of the shawl, at the rate of £3 per month, and also £1 Is police expenses. An order was made for the return of the shawl to its rightful owner. Molly Williams was convicted and discharged on the drunkenness charge. FIRE BRIGADE BALL Tastefully decorated with blue and red streamers, coloured lights and other adornments, the Town Hall presented a most attractive appearance on Thursday evening, being the occasion of the Taihape Fire Brigade’s annual ball- The floor was in excellent order and the large crowd present danced to the strains of tuneful music supplied by Carrington’s Orchestra. Superintendent J. Mortland, Deputy Superintendent H. Collings and Assistant Foreman B. Flight capably carried out the duties of M-C. and by their excellent efforts contributed largely to the success of the evening. Mr W. White was responsible for the hall decorations, whilst Mr F. M. Marlow artistically decorated the supper rooms with greenery and all kinds of adornments. The tables were decorated by Mrs Oldham, many of the vases containing sprigs of flowering cherry. An excellent sit down supper was provided under th* supervision of a ladies’ committee which did splendid work "behind the scenes.” As usual the ball was a great success and the brigade has every reason to feel gratified with the result of their efforts- All arrangements in connection with the function were most complete and reflected great credit on all concerned and particularly the secretary (Air W. H. Adair) and the executive officers. It is pleasing to note that the public once more rose to the occasion and gave the brigade the support it so richly deserves. HOCKEY MATCH A hockey match between Taihape ladies and King Country ladies was played at Taihape on Thursday and resulted in a win for the home team by 3 goals to 2. The visitors had Taihape hard pressed in the dying stages of the match, but the local team managed to retain the lead it had gained, and emerged victorious by one goal- For Taihape, goals were scored by J. Howie, G. Mansfield and D. Bosher. E. McGill scored both goals for the visitors. Messrs Eaton (Taihape) and Fanthorpe (Taumarunui) were the referees. MAJESTIC THEATRE “No, No Nanette,” the equal of "Gold Diggers of Broadway,” comes to the Alajestie on Thursday and Friday of this week. It is the story of a kind-hearted old millionaire who can’t make his thrifty wife help him spend his money. When he turns to a pair of young gold-diggers for assistance he gets himself into a lot of comical troubles. The background and settings are said to be magnificent. Four big scenes representing Holland, New York, Japan and Alars, all filmed in technicolour, are described as the high moments of the picture. Hundreds of people take part in those multi-coloured sequences in whirling and sparkling dances. To bo slightly altered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.