JUST PLAYING A LARK

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 February 1916, Page 2

JUST PLAYING A LARK

THREE MONTHS' HARD

LABOUR

A MAN named F^rank Crumlish, alias John McDermott, was arrested on Monday last by Const. Driscoll, on a charge of theft of two travelling bags, the property of Mr L. R..Phillips (late M.P. for Waitemata). The evidence went to show that Mr Phillips,, who arrived in Helensville per 12 noon train from Kaukapakapa, went to the Terminus Hotel for the purpose of getting his dinner, leaving his bags with Mr Bishop inside the private bar. Shortly afterwards Mr Bishop heard a slight noise, and looking out the window saw the prisoner standing flat against the brick wail with the bags at his feet. When challenged he said he was "playing a lark on his mate." This excuse did not satisfy Mr Bishop, who rang up Constable Driscoll, with the result that the man was brought before Messrs W. R.. Fosbroke and Jas. Hand, J's.P., and sentenced to three months' hard labour. The man had numerous previous convictions against him.