AUCKLAND ROBBERIES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 44, 21 February 1905, Page 4

AUCKLAND ROBBERIES.

INTERESTING STATEMENT BY THI

POLICE.

jNlaxsaek niade an in< statement in the Police fcquri this morning to Mr H. S. Wardefi, S;M,, before whom Charles Rcston"(lej; Nqr, man Edward Harris (15), and \Villiara Barnett .(16), were charged, with breaking and entering .the Richard K. Sinclair, in stealing three ciga,rs and five boxes ql matches. . ~ / .: "■

Mr Marsack said the charges were . la-id in. indictexble form because accused, had been previously convicted,: He was sorry to say that a considerable portion of the house-hrealcingin Auckland was committed by lads, like, those in the dock, who thought that when they were brought into Court thej> would be- discharged and tojd, to! good boys. Mr F. E. Bauine, defended tli< boys, said that the magistrate oguld to all that was necessary, if they .EJealed guilty, committal for sentence mean waiting three months,iu g^ol. Mr Wardeirs reply to Mr MaisaQld th*at lads over 15 need.nat. espepti repealed chaiices to reforra, "but JiO.WaSv very glacl to give bpys aii eipportunity; of getting away from had ooiupanyj'ij they did Jiot take advantage pf'these; chances., they would get na considera* tion. '.. .■ " .- \ •

The evidence in the ej|se was. then taken. Detective Miller's evidence, ws». that on Sunday weekj with. Mr Sinclair and another gentleman, Jμ -watcliel ; the prosecutor's warehouse-; from tht back. A few minutes after 11 •-a.m.footsteps at t!ie front door iyere heard, and soon afterwards the tli£ee came aroimd to the back of t the "warehouse, Reston got through a windotfinto the office. Harris stoo<i near, aid Barnett walked away. The watclvcrsi then" rushed' out,, and the ; ■;lion's''''Vrere':': . caught. Harris resisted arretet.-andl.had .;•-. to be put down and h;indcii§ed, .xyMl* : IJarnett dragged 3i|r Sinclair, lp.or.ji yards in attempting to eseajje.; Ratoji \v,as taken in. han.4 hj- the fthir|-mip t with whom he struggled, but: they VFere all secured eyentual.lv. Tbree "cigars and five boxes of matches TTPVe..foundon who he-'gQtith.eiufrgiii ....;■' ihe wgrehouso. Harris s*j| he _j||d been to the place a- fortnight but had take,n -nothing. .•" '•■■ ,-■ ' -