POLICE COURT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5079, 24 January 1927, Page 2

POLICE COURT.

YOUNG MAORI IN TROUBLE.

THEFT OF PAIR OF SCISSORS-

At the Paeroa Police Court this morning, before Messrs W. Marshall and H. J. Hare, J’s.P., a sturdy Maori named George Kara was charged with stealing on Saturday morning a pair of scissors 'from a local retailer (The Econqmic) valued at 5s 6d. Mr C. N. O’Neill appered for the accused and entered a plea of guilty. Constable McClinchy said that the accused had purchased a towel and a ■comb, and while the articles were being wrapped up lie picked up the scissors and walked out with them. His action had been observed by a shop assistant.

In mitigation of. the offence Mr O’Neill said that accused had gone in with honest intentions to purchase, but had yielded to a sudden temptation. The act had been vividly fixed in accused’s mind, and although no excuse was forthcoming he. had received a salutary lesson, and i'f a ismall fine was imposed it would doubtlessly meet the case.

Constable McClinchy suggested that accused should take out a prohibition order. Accused had been releas-' ed on bail, but local tradespeople were, entitled to protection.

The Bench stated that in view of the explanation offered by Mr O’Neill accused would be lightly dealt with. A warning, however, was given accused that if he. appeared again the sentence would be a substantial one. A conviction was entered, and accused was fined £2, with costs ss, in default seven days’ imprisonment.