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Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2507, 7 July 1915, Page 8

Hamilton is by no means free from the operations of the shop-lifter : (says an exchange), ami-local tradesmen had cause to ' complain on numerous occasions of the icduction of their stocks by depredations of this nature. Comparatively very few cases have been sheeted home, but a flagrant example has come before Mr. Rawson, S.M., when, a , rcspectably-drcssed married woman was charged with a long series of thefts, extending over many months. Two well-filled portmanteaux, which wero produced for inspection by tho Magistrate, included .two costumes, several pairs of: ladies' and children's shoes, three or four handbags, hair brushes, a Panama hat, and a fur boa. These, according to : the police, represented only.a portion of the goods which accused admitted having stolen, but of which the owners had not been found. AVhen the manager'of one shop called at her house with- reference to a missing article, she stoqd on her dignity and threatened to proceed against him for defamation. S»o even went so far as to consult a-lawyer,, and spoko to the police on tho matter. Later the manager obtained a search warrant, and in company with a constable discovered many more articles arousing suspicion, which led to accused's appearance in Court. The police said the woman was otherwise of good repute. Her acts wero prompted by love of dress. After a severe reprimand accused was convicted and ordered to come up for. sentence' when called npon. ■