A LOST NECKLACE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3824, 28 July 1928, Page 2

A LOST NECKLACE

UNDER HOLDS FOR A REWARD

AND IS CHARGED WITH THEFT

Auckland, July 26,

0?i June 4 last a lady residing in Remuera lost a siring of 165 pearls in the form of a necklace with a diamond clasp at the Ellerslie racecourse, The man who found the necklace, Michael Maher, appeared at the Police Court this morning charged i&ith having stolen pearls valued at £990.

R. J. Derrous, jeweller, gave evidence that early in June, Maher showed witness the pearls and asked if they were valuable. Witness replied that they were worth between £2OO and £3OO. He now admitted that they were worth £990. Accused asked if they were w T orth a reward, and witness suggested £lO.

Detective Hunt stated that on June 25 he interviewed Maher who admitted finding the pearls at the racecourse gates. He put them in his pocket and said he forgot about the pearls until two days afterwards when he saw an advertisement and telephoned to the owner’s house. He was told that unless the pearls had a diamond clasp it would he no use bringing- them to her house. Accused added that he was waiting- a few days in anticipation of the reward being- increased. Maher occupied a prominent position in a city business, and had a good character and reputation. Mr. M'Kean, S.M., said, in reply to accused’s counsel, that it was for a jury and not himself to say whether there was a case to answer. Accused was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Maher, who appeared voluntarily, was allowed bail in one surety of £2O.