MAORI’S OFFENCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 81, 31 May 1946, Page 5

MAORI’S OFFENCE

CONVERSION OF CYCLE FINE INFLICTED Hi Homana, or Hi Ranapea, as he is otherwise known (Mr Suckling) appeared in the Whakatane Court on Wednesday, charged with unlawfully converting to his own use, a gent’s cycle valued at £lO. Accused, who pleaded guilty, was convicted and fined £lO. Judge Harvey (Native Land Court) and Mr C. G. Lucas, J.P. were on the Bench. Sergeant Farrell stated that on the night the offence occurred, accused attended a party. During the evening, he asked the owner of the cycle for a loan of the machine, but was refused. He later took the cycle of his own accord and rode it as far as Paroa, where he dumped it on the side of the road. Defendant, who was a returned soldier, had several previous convictions. For the defendant, Mr Suckling stated that he had been under the impression that the cycle in question belonged to a friend of his who was to play football at Paroa the following day, and therefore would be able to pick it up. He had merely made a mistake.

The Bench stressed that whilst it took into account accused’s war service, he must remember that he could not now break the law without paying the penalty. As stated, a fine of £lO, to be paid forthwith, was inflicted.