TAMPERING WITH MAIL

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1931, Page 7

TAMPERING WITH MAIL

CASE IN' WAIMATE COURT

LABOURER SENT TO BORSTAL. i

WAIMATE, November 4

Robin Robinson, labourer, of Waimate, was charged jn the Magistrate’s Court, + that on or about September 13, 1931, at V\ r ai mate, he opened a postal packet, and removed a letter posted at iWaiuta, written by Mrs Baird to C. E. 'Meredith, Ltd,

Accused was further charged, that on or about September 4, 1931, at Waimate, he opened a letter written by M, Fafer, Greymouth, and addressed to Mr Meredith, produce merchant, Waimate. Further charges were that contrary to his duty, he did detain a letter posted at Timaru and written by James Emsfie; that he did detain a letter written by some person unknown ; detained a letter written tu Reefton by G. Johns ; he opened a letter written by James Waipori Falls; opened a letter written by Mrs Armstrong, Dunollie, ail'the com munications being addressed to C. E Meredjth, Ltd, Waimate.

Accused pleaded guilty to ah’ the charges.

Sergeant Turner stated that accused had been in the employ of C. E. Meredith, Ltd., on and off during the past' two years. In September last he had in the course of his duties obtained th? firms’s mail , from the post office" box. On various dates accused had called at 'the counter' for mail between the hours of 7 and 8 p.m., having presented an order purporting to be signed by his employers. . The postal officials had harded over the letters, it being accepted that he was acting for Meredith. At a later date he had again handed to the postal' officials a form authorising him to collect mail on behalf of 'the firm- but the postal authorities had rejected it. The orders had been typed in the firm's office during the absence of the manager. Robinson had admitted taking postal notes from -the letters to the value of from £2 3s to £2 10s, but the firm manager, Mr G. S. [Meredith, had stated that £3 6s was missing. Accused’s father had made restitution of an amount of £2 4s Bd.

Counsel for accused submitted tint accused was of weak mentality, and his acts were morh stupid than criminal, as he was bound to be detected. His ■wages had not been, paid regularly, and he had taken this course to • obtain money. Iji view of accused's weak character, he hoped he wouid be treated as leniently as possible. The Magistrate (Mr C. I\: OnWalker, S.M.) said the case was certainly a bad one. The Act permitted of a penalty of only three months’ imprisonment, but he was inclined to think a longer period in the Borstal would bp more beneficial, ond Robinson would be committed to that institution for a period not- exceeding three years.