THEFT OF GRAPES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2861, 21 March 1925, Page 2

THEFT OF GRAPES.

SIX MONTHS’ PROBATION. At yesterday’s S.M. Court Thomas Fuller and Edwin Robinson, two local youths, were charged with the theft of grapes, valued to the amount of 15/-, the property of Mr W. E. Riddle. Mr Bcrgin appeared for defendants, who pleaded guilty and elected to he dealt with summarily. Constable Owen said that Mr Kiddle had suffered a great deal from orchard robbing. On the morning of Sunday, February 22nd., the two accused had entered Mr Riddle’s grape house during the owner’s absence at church. When he arrived home he saw the accused with two other lads had accused them of the offence, which they denied. He then placed the matter in the hands of the police and proceedings had been instituted. On the advice of their parents, the boys admitted the offence. He asked that no conviction be made in this case as both lads were of good character and the publicity given the matter would, he was sure, be sufficient, punishment in itself. The S.M.: Evidently I was not strict enough last time or there would not have been a second offence. 1 trust this is the last time I will see you here. Both accused were admitted to probation for a period of six months and ordered to refund the sum of 15/-, the value of the grapes.