PAWNED CAMERAS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 272, 11 August 1921, Page 9

PAWNED CAMERAS

ALLEGED RECEIVING OF STOLEN GOODS FOREIGNER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL Alfred Antonovik, alias Alfred Smith, for whom Mr. W. E. Leicester appeared, was charged yesterday before Mr. !'• K. Hunt, S.M., with receiving from Joseph J. O’Riordan two cameras of tho value of .£l5 12s. 6d„ the property of Kodak Ltd., well knowing the same to have been stolen. Acting-Chief Detective Andrews appeared for the police. James K. Mackay, manager of Kodak Ltd., identified the two cameras produced as the property of that firm, and said definitely that they wero not sold, but must have been stolen. He knew J. J. O’Riordan, who was in the employ of Kodak Ltd., as assistant salesman, from March 4 until June 25. Ho had no authority to remove the cameras. John Joseph O’Riordan, a clerk by occupation, said he was on remand at the present' time on charges of thefts of cameras from the Kodak shop. He had no permission to remove cameras except on occasions when ho asked permission. Ho knew the accused, whom ho met about three weeks ago in a caio in Cuba Street, where they had supper at the samo table. They engaged in a general conversation, and witness showed accused some photographs. Witness mentioned that lie had. been employed by Kodak Ltd. They then went to accused’s room, and after a little while they both left, and had a further conversation in tho street. Tho talk drifted on to cameras, and accused asked witness if it was possible to get away with any cameras from the shop. Witness replied that it was not possible, as every camera was numbered, but said that he already had some in pawn which he wished to get' out. He told the accused that he had taken them from the shop. Tho accused said that if witness gave him the tickets he would get. them out himself. They arranged to meet the next morning at the Royal Oak corner; the appointment was kept, and witness gave the accused the pawn tickets for two cameras. That evening witness called on accused at his room m Abel Smith Street, and- was told that he had obtained the cameras from pawn. He asked witness if he had any money, and when witness said he was short gave “im a pound note. They arranged to meet the following moiming. when there was a further conversation about another camera that was in pawn in Courtenay Place and witness went to the shop to ascertain what was owing on the camera When ho returned to the Royal Oat corner the accused was not there, and witness did not see him again until the following day, when he got some money from the accused. The following evening witness gave the accused' four pawn tickets for cameras pawned. Accused received in all six pawn tickets, and witness was given £1 Bs. Gd. by the accused The latter knew that the cameras had been stolen. The value of the eamerM pawned and for which the accused held the tickets was about .£lO. Cross-examined, O’Riordan said he understood that Antonovik would hold the cameras until witness could repay him tho amount paid for redeeming the goods. A jeweller in Manners Street stated that Antonovik brought two cameras to his shop and asked witness to remove the numbers. Witness said ho was unable to do tho work. ... Walter Smart, pawnbroker. Millis Street, and Boltzer, pawnbroker, Manners Street, with whom cameras were pawned and subsequently redeemed, gave formol evidence. Plain-Clothes Constable Hunt, who arrested the accused, said he knew him as Alfred Smith. The accused made two statements, which wero produced. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court tor trial. Bail was allowed in one surety ot £5O.