SET THE ALARM GOING

Evening Star, Issue 20051, 17 December 1928, Page 13

SET THE ALARM GOING

SHOPLIFTER'S PREDICAMENT [Spk Cikt TV lUK ’ Sta«.'l AUCKLAND, December .15. Au amusing story of bow an alarm boll, in the form of a brass tortoise whoso tail, when touched, sets a bell going, proved tho undoing of Eric Keith Hunter M'Kcnzic, alias Taylor (aged twenty-six), was unfolded at the Police Court to-day. It was nob amusing to M’Kcnzic, who was tho only ono in court who did not laugh. This can bo quite well understood, because ho was sent to gaol lor fourteen days. Accused, who was represented by Mr, J. F. W. Dickson, admitted three charges of stealing a carton of honey worth Is, a shop bell valued at £1 ss, and an umbrella valued at 10s. Sub-inspector M‘Carthy said M‘Kcnzio went into an orange drink shop yesterday afternoon in Newmarket, and while there ho was seen by a, Jittlo boy to pick up an umbrella and leave tho shop. Tho boy told a constable, who took accused to tho police station. As M'Kcnzio sat down on a chair an alarm bell which ho had in his pocket commenced to ring loudly, so tho constable searched him and found tho bell, and also a carton of honey. Jt was afterwards discovered that M’Kenzio had stolen the hell from another place. ■ “ M’Kenzio' wont into the shop ami asked tho lady the price of rice,” said tho Sub-inspector. “lie bought no rice, but went out with tho honey, lie then entered Smerdou’s shop, and while tho jeweller was out ot tiio shop accused took tho belt and vanished.” Sub-inspector McCarthy said accused had been in trouble before, lie had taken some liquor yesterday. Tho Magistrate (Mr Hunt) : “ t see by tho list that he nimo out of gaol last year after serving twelve months’ imprisonment.” “That is so,” said Mr Dickson, “But he lias been going straight since 1 hen. Ho was very drunk yesterday. No man in bis sober senses would steal a bell, some honey, and au old umbrella.”

Me Hunt.; You never -know. Ho could pawn them. Cluef-deteclivo Hammond said MTvmmie was not fond of work. Unly a few months ago ho had hccu acriuittcd on a, charge by the Supremo Court. Mr Dickson objected strongly to Mr Hammond’s remarks. “I _ protest against this system of conducting prosecutions. You have no right to say such a thing when the man was acquitted, and not convicted. It is such statements which unconsciously prejudice magistrates’ minds. Mr Hunt: 1 had in mind giving him fourteen days for this. Mr Dickson: I strongly protest. My friend will bring this court into tlio game disrepute as tho American courts. Mr Hunt; I am not concerned with what Mr Hammond said. I’ve taken no notice of it. It has not prejudiced m). I intended to give accused ioiirtcen days. Ho ought to get three months, but bo was under tho influence of liquor. That’s why I'm making it fourteen days. Mr Hammond: MTvenzio is a pretty smart joker. Ho goes around on a biko wearing rubber shoes, if lio wiv working, why would ho bo in three shops in Newmarket yesterday, stealing? MTvcw.ic’s sentence was lourteen days’ imprisonment on ono of the charges. Mr Dicl usoii and the clue!' detective argued further until the court adjourned. .