CHARGES OF THEFT.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1923, Page 3

CHARGES OF THEFT.

GREYMOUTH, Juno 19. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday Lionel ,T. McCray was charged: (1) 'That, between April 3rd. and May 23rd. McCray, whilst in the employ of the Runanga Co-operative Society, did steal 10 yards of linoleum, two carpet rugs, one pair of blankets, two pillows, two pillow-slips, and one cushion, of a total value of £l7 3s; (2) that between the same dates he did steal, one pair of boots, three rugs, one jumper, two coats, .four mats and one cardigan jacket of a total value of £9 10s. Detective Young said the accused was in charge of the drapery department of the Runanga Co-operative .Store, and had been dismissed on account of his drinking habits. The goods were missed only after lie had gone. Thomas Bowes (secretary of the Coop.) said the accused had been drinking consistently for some time prior to hi- dismissal. He was never drunk when on duty, but was nearly all the time muddled. Detective Aoung --aid the accused had admitted the thefts. He had lx?en arrested in Wellington. He gave the police everv assistance in recovering the goods. 'The linoleum had been rut up, and the hoots, silk jumper, cardigan jacket and the coats had been worn. The Co-op. would take hack the linoleum and the balance oi the goods, but the 11 --eil wearing apparel would have to be paid for. Ali- .levee entered a plea of guilty. 'The accused had borne a good character previously, and had been in .nine verv good positions in the eitic-. He had collie to the Coast from Wellington, and had found conditions to which he was absolutely unused. His v.ile and five children had been left in Wellington. and he bad got into undesirable company, and had taken In drill-.. His wile was hi i 11-1 i fit Hi. ami of the live children, the eldest w.as 12 year- of age a.nd the youngest three months. Accused had intended bringing hi- wife and children to Greymouth and had come to an arrangement with the Coop. people whereby lie was to buy his furniture, etc., from them, and would nay on terms, lie asked the Magistrate to extend probation to the accused. The .Magistrate (to accused) : What is your financial condition. J Accu-ed; Not very good. 'The Alag.istra(e : You'll have to make good the depreciation in the value of tlioso »<!s. Acciimm! : \ sir. Til" Magistrate: Well. I’ll take into <ousideration the fact that his previous record is a good one. and also the fact that he has a wife and live children. 'Then he gave every assistance to the police in helping to recover the goods. Aon will lie ordered to pay the depreciation (£l 12s), will he admitted to probation for 12 months, and must report monthly to the police. An order was made for the return of the goods to the Co-op. and for paycut of depreciation, anil for goods retained. at the rate of £1 a. month, first payment to be made a mouth lienee.