TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 180, 1 August 1931, Page 3

TAIHAPE

MAGISTRATE’S COURT. The monthly sitting of the Taihape Magistrates’ Court opened before Mr R. M. Watson S.M., on Thursday. I Sawmiller Admits Theft. Albert John Herkt, sawmiller of Turangaarere pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing one brief bag and contents of a total value of £7 10s, the property of David Ballance Ennis, at Turangaarere on July 25. Receiving Stolen Gods. John McMann, labourer, of Turangaarere was charged with receiving from Albert John Herkt, on July 26, at Turangaarere, goods to the value of £4 10s, knowing same to have been dishonestly obtained. Accused pleaded guilty. Other Charges Against McMann. John McMann was also charged with procuring liquor for a prohibited person (Heperi Pohe). Two charges of supplying liquor to a native within a proclaimed area for consumption off licensed premises were also preferred against McMann. The two natives concerned -were Heperi Poke and Waru Adamson. McMann pleaded guilty to all charges. Tho charge of theft against Herkt was heard in conjunction with the charges against McMann as the same set of circumstances were involved. Herkt was represented by Mr R. C. Ongley, who told the Court that Herkt had informed counsel that he (accused) had stolen the goods during the course of a drinking bout. The articles stolen were of no value to accused. Herkt had lived in the district for a long time and was a married man with a large family. Except for his drinking habits accused had never been in trouble before and was a good lawabiding citizen. Herkt wished to state in fairness to McMann that he (Herkt) was the instigator of the proposal to steal the brief bag and contents. Kerkt had stolen the articles and had then suggested to McMann that they share the proceeds. {Sergeant Joyce who conducted the prosecution, said that Herkt, McMann and Heperi Pope were in town together on July 25. Pohe gave McMann some money to buy some beer from the brewery. McMann purchased the liquor a.n took it to his place at Turangaarere. Herkt saw a car at Turangaarere belonging to a “Singer” sewing machine traveller and took a brief bag and contents from the vehicle and hid the bag under a fence. Herkt, McMann, Pohe and another native, Adamson, consumed quantities of beer at McMann’s place. Later in the evening .Herkt took the two Maoris home and then returned. He took the brief bag and contents from under the fence and brought it to McMann's house, where he and McMann divided the spoil by means of tossing. Sometimes McMann’s daughter was called upon to toss the coin. When the police interviewed both McMann and Herkt, they both denied any knowledge of the brief bag and contents, but later Herkt admitted having stolen the goods ami produced the brief bag from under a mattress. McMann admitted having received some of the stolen goods from Herkt. McMann had a number of previous convictions. He (McMann) was pre pared to take out a prohibition, order for any length of time. Some twelve months- ago he had been before the Court for breaking a telegrapn insulator. He was a heavy drinker. Herkt, who is a iirst offender, was admitted to probation for twelve months. He was prohibited for one year, and ordered to pay police expenses 295. An order was made for the return of the stolen articles. The police opposed probation in McMann's case. On the charge of receiving stolen goods McMann was convicted and sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour. An order was made for the return of the goods found in his possession. McMann was fined £5 and costs 10s on each of two charges of supplying liquor to a native within a proclaimed area. For supplying liquor to Heperi Pohe, a prohibited person, he was lined £1 with costs 10s.