CHEAP DANCE HALLS AND CIGARETTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3529, 26 August 1926, Page 2

CHEAP DANCE HALLS AND CIGARETTES.

GIRL’S DOWNFALL,

Auckland, Last Night

“II is the old story! The girl has been going round the cheap dance halls smoking- cigarettes, and she is right- out of clothes, Avhreh she is buying on the time payment system,” said Major Gordon, of the Salvation Army, in the Poli.cc Court, Avhen Thelma Frances Goodley, aged 10, admitted six charges of stealing articles from the house at which she Avas employed as a domestic. The charges included lavo dresses A’alned at £B, ladies’ hosiery, gloves, a-'fountain pen, and money to the value of £2 19/0. Major Gordon suggested that if accused Avere placed on strict probation and ordered to make restitution, she-would probably reform. She Avas. Avorking in an excellent home and although she had been there only a I’cav Aveeks, her employers were -willing to take her back. Magistrate Poynlon: It is very generous of them . Chief Detective Cummings said all the articles had been recovered Avitli the exception of one dress Avhich the girl burned. She became frightened Avhcu 1 asked for another dress which she had taken. She returned that one, but burned the other. Her parents died Avhen she Avas 11 years old and as a result she had lacked parental control. The Magistrate: She is young and without parents and deserves some consideration... .He...added, that he Avas perhaps giving accused a chance she did not deserve. She Avould be placed on probation for three years during Avhich time her Avagcs, amusements and companions would be under the supervision of the Probation OftHcer. An order Avas also made for restitution.