A Burned Motor Car.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1921, Page 1

A Burned Motor Car.

WAS IT ABANDONED? PALMERSTON N., April 12. On March 2nd., a motor-car, the property of George Gibson, taxi proprietor, of New Plymouth, which was being driven by an employee, took fire on Milsoi’s iLne, about two miles from Palmerston North, and the woodwork was practically destroyed. The car was left there during tne night with the result that the owner was fined 205., for having left his car on the road without sufficient lights. Under instructions from the insurance company, which advised that tincar should not be moved until it had been viewed, it was left on the side of the road until March 28. On the following morning when the car was to be taken away, it was discovered that everything which could be detached had been removed, even to the engine. The matter was placed in the hands of the police, and eventually the bulk of the missing gear was found distributed on the premises of three young men who have businesses in Palmerston North, but so far the engine has not been traced. The sequel was the appearance in the Police Court this morning of Arthur Cameron, Hector Neil Gemmell, and George Friend, on a charge of having stolen motor fixtures to the value of £3O.

When interviewed by the police all the accused admitted having taken the things, but said that they had done so under the impression that the car had been abandoned. After evidence had been given all tlr accused pleaded guilty and were committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. In reply to Mr Innes, who appeared for the defence, the police admitted that the accused were all hard-work it) and respectable young men, and D-: they had at once admitted removing the goods.