CONVERSION OF CARS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 272, 17 November 1943, Page 4

CONVERSION OF CARS

YOUTH SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN BORSTAL

, Auckland, Nov. 16. Jhis class of offence is occurring with alarming regularity and on an average 12 to 14 cars are taken from city streets each week. AJthough so many offenders are caught the crimes continue unabated,” said Senior Detective J. Walsh in the Police Court Ml S i<i m °J nins Oswald Hiram Maitland aged 17, labourer, admitted eight charges of unlawfully converting to his own use motor cars of the total value of £1320 and nine Charges of theft of goods, including petrol, oil, liquor and a gramophone, of a total value of £53 18s. Senior Detective Walsh said two of tne eignt cars converted collided with power poles, one being wrecked and the other damaged to the extent o£ £oo. Maitland had not been working for several months and did not appear to be under the control of his parents. When a job was found for him he disappeared and went to Wailii and Faeroa, taking witn him two other boys aged 11 and 12.

The probation officer told the magistrate that he went to considerable trouble to warn Maitland and to secure a position for him after he had been released on probation last month.

"Now he's in trouble again on a serious list of charges so soon after beihg given a chance. He deserves no consideration,” added the probation officer in recommending the maximum penalty.

The magistrate ordered Maitland to be detained in Borstal for three years. "Only by your conduct in Borsta'l will you be able to reduce the period of your detention and set yourself up again,” the magistrate said to the tall, well-built youth.