ALLEGED THEFT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18894, 8 January 1927, Page 17

ALLEGED THEFT.

CHASE ROUND POST OFFICE. [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, January 7. Tho outcome of a, chase round tho Chief Post Office oil Wednoday afternoon was the appearance in the Police Court to-day of William Morgan, aged 38, charged with attempted theft from the person. Accused said lie was on # holiday visit from his wile. William Henry Taylor, who belongs to Wellington, and with his wife and child has been spending a holiday m Auckland, said he took his family to Devouport and returned to town by the three o'clock boat. Going down the gangwav lie was carrying the buby. There was a crush, and he felt someone's right ami resting against the left side of his chest. Ho looked down and saw three fingers and a thumb of the left hand sheltered by the arm in his pocket, which contained a spectacle case, watch and chain, and sorno papers.* He was certain it was accused who had his fingers in his pocket. "I gave the baby to my wife and followed the man," witness continued. "He hurried off towards Queen street, and went down the entrance to tho Railway Station. .Tie stopped at the booking office a moment, and then ran along the back of the Post Office, and out into Queen street again by the other entrance. He boarded a tram car just leaving the safety zone. I hailed a policeman, who arrested him.'' Detective McHugli said accused told him he was a bricklayer and had recently arrived from Australia. In reply to counsel, witness said accused and his wife told different stories about the occurrence.

Counsel then asked the Magistrate, Mr Hunt, if there was a case_ to answer. He did not intend ta bring forward any evidence. The Magistrate: I certainly think there is a case to answer. However, the charge can be reduced. Senior Detectivo Hammond said lie had no objection to this procedure, and the charge was reduced to 0110 of attempted theft. Counsel said accused was prepared to go back to Australia, by the first boat. The Magistrate remanded accused until Monday.