CATHEDRAL THEFT

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1932, Page 5

CATHEDRAL THEFT

A DESPICABLE ACT MISSION BOXES RIFLED. By Teleyruph — Ft. Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 14. Detained in the vestry of St. Alary’s Cathedra?, Parnell, yesterday, by Gallon Fancourt, ‘ and later handed over to the police, Clarence Albert Butterfield, aged 2U, a cabiheetihaker, ed with stealing £1 Is 6d li'dm the collection box at the Cathedral. The Verger, Air W. Hickmott, believed that the mission and poor boxes placed lit the Cathedral were being tampered with, so he returned to tne Cathedral about one p.m. yesterday. Five minutes after he arrived, he saw the young man enter by the southern door and tamper with one of the collection boxes, xie .accosted. .Butterfield, and then called on Canon Fancourt, who was nearby. The Canon detained Butterfield in the Vestry until the police arrived, The mission box was later found open, part of the latch' having been removed, it was empty.

When Butterfield appeared in the Police Court to-day, he pleaded guilty.

“That man has also stolen from St. Sepulchre’s Cluu'ch, and it is alleged that ho also stole Canon Faneourt’s attache case,” said Detective-Sergeant Kelly, in obtaining n remand until March 21. . Butterfield's inquest for bail was refused.