THEFT FROM DANCE HALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3943, 16 May 1929, Page 2

THEFT FROM DANCE HALL.

LOCAL YOUTHS PLAICED ON PROBATION. At the local S.M. .Court this morning before Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., Tapu Taylor was charged by the Police that on April 1929, at Foxton, he did steal one hat valued at 35/-, the property of Charles McLean Winiata. . Harry Huff was similarly charged that on April 24th, 1929, at Foxton, he stole an overcoat, valued at £6, tlie property °f Charles McLean Winiata. Both accused were present and entered pleas of guilty.

Constable Owen, in evidence, said that on the night in question there was a dance in the Masonic Hall and at a certain time the lights in the men’s cloak room went out and Taylor was seen about the room. Later the bat and coat were found missing and on suspicion being fixed on Taylor he admitted the theft and showed the police (where the hat and coat were. Both accused, said Constable Owen, were previously .of good Character and had not hail the opportunities in life that niost young fellows had.

: The S.M. said that 'both aceuseds must have known that they were doing wrong in going into a dance hall and .talking the goods. While pointing out the seriousness of the charge, the S.M. said that he hoped their arrest would prove a lesson to them. They would be convicted and placed under the supervision of the probation officer for a term of two years and he hoped that they would make good.