Sequel to a Joy Ride.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1924, Page 4

Sequel to a Joy Ride.

AUCKLAND, March 3. A joy-ride l'rom Auckland City to St Hdicr's Day recently led to the appearance before Ur E. I’agc, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court of two young girls, Dora Ellon Smith (19) and Myrwen Coleman (IS) on a charge of stealing £1 155., the property of Hop Sing. Coleman pleaded guilty, but Smith denied the charge. According to Detective Walker, Coleman, in an interview, at which Smith was also present, stated that the pair, in company with two men named Armstrong and Martin, had embarked on a joy ride from Auckland City to St Helier’s Day, during which they had occasion to visit a Chinaman's gardens. Armstrong had intimated that he intended to purchase some lettuces, and “see what he could pinch." The owner of the premises had just placed a tin containing £1 15s on a shelf in the shed when the party arrived, and according to Smith’s version of the occurrence. Armstrong beckoned to Coleman to take it. The last-named appropriated the tin anti handed it to Armstrong, who lwlted for the car. Accosted, by the Chinese the girls had given the name of Thompson, stating that they were sisters. The magistrate said lie was not prepared to convict Smith on the evidence. Coleman had stolen the tin. and given it to Armstrong. Coleman was remanded for a week for sentence.