WAREHOUSE THEFTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 52, 25 November 1926, Page 17

WAREHOUSE THEFTS

ROLLS OF CLOTH MISSING THREE MEN CHARGED Picas of not guilty were entered by Edward May, a labourer (aged 25), Eric Jones, a shop - assistant taged 30), and Albert James Olsen, a barman uiged 31), who were charged before Mr. E. Page, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. with breaking and entering the ‘warehouse of Samuel Triester, Vivian Street, and stealing 22 rolls of cloth and a cheque book, valued at A2O'J 18s. Accused were not represented by counsel. Samuel Triester, hat and cap manufacturer, said that -on the morning of November 10 he found that entrance had been gained to his premises by the back door, which had been forced open. The door of the office had also been forced. A cheque book had been taken from the office, and he also found 20 rolls of silk and a roll of serge and gabardine to/ b® missing. Witness had employed accused as a presser in 1923, and he, no doubt, would bo familiar with the premises. Harry Bodley, of Palmerston North, said he had been approached on November 13 by two men, who he subsequently identified as Olsen and Jones, and was asked if he wished to buy some silk. Ono of the accused produced a “ample, and offered to sell the materia] at ninepence per yard. Esther Fernley, boardinghouse pro prietress, ot Palmerston North, stated that on November 14 May and Olsen booked a room, giving the names of Smith and Webber. Sergeant Power, of Palmerston North, said he saw the three accused together in Palmerston on November 13, The following day, accompanied by Detective Barling, he taxed May and Olsen with being in possession of stolen property. This they denied. Witness took •Jones to the police station, and bags which were in their room, on being opened, were found to contain rolls of silk. Attached to one suit case was a parcel containing a razor, on the case of which was the name of Olsen. After further' evidence had been heard, the three accused pleaded not guilty, reserved their defence, and were committed for trial. Bail of «£3OO and one surety of £3OO was allowed in each case.