HOBBS BUNKED

NZ Truth, Issue 1177, 21 June 1928, Page 3

HOBBS BUNKED

And Left Benefactor To Face Music ■ — ' — ' (From "N.Z. Truth's" Wellington Rep.) It was an unfortunate day for Thomas Weatherburn when he acted as bondsman for Arthur Hobbs m the Wellington Magistrate's Court last April. HOBBS, who, up to that time, had been employed as a carrier for the firm of Joseph Nathan and Co., lata,, failed to account for a certain sum of money. . He. was arrested, and. remanded. When" brought before the court again, he had to face a further indictment of having stolen 500 boxes of butter belonging to the firm. Hobbs was again remanded until April 26, Thomas Weatherburn, licensee of the Dominion Hotel, becoming surety for his bail, which was allowed m the sum of, £250 and one surety of a similar amount. And now Hobbs has vanished, leaving Weatherburn to face the music. Recently the Crown applied to haye the bail estreated, Lawyer Jack Scott appearing to oppose the application. Last week Magistrate Page de« livered his reserved decision. Hobbs, up to the time of his disappearance, had been, staying at Weatherburn's hotel. On the morning of April 26, he arose and had an early breakfast. BIRD HAP 'FLOWN Having satisfied his appetite, he hastily carried out a bag to 'a car and drove away. •, Out of Wndness to his benefactor, he left behind m his room an old suit of clothes, a pair of boots, an old razor, some soap and various; odds and ends. Weatherburn, thinking & is movements unusual on this particular morning, taxed the waitress and discovered Hobbs' early flight, the Waitress saying he had informed her that he was conveying his things toa sister's place at Petone. The magistrate, m his decision* held that as Weatherburn's suspicions had been aroused to a certain extent, he had not taken reasonable steps to secure the attendance of accused. ! After the disappearance of. Hobbs, Weatherburn had assisted m the search for accused, but the Crown had been put to considerame expense ,m fthe matter. \ \ . It' was left to the discretion of the court to estreat tho recognisance to any amount it" thought fit. The bench therefore ordered that it be estreated to the amount of £100. . It was left to the chief- detective and Lawyer Scott to arrange a suitable period m which to find the money. Lock, stock, and barrel — leave packing and transport to N.Z. Express Company, Limited. No matter how short the notice or how great the distance, possessions will be delivered on time, safely and economically. Estimates given at all our offices. All work under the care of experts. If you get sudden notice of transfer*, call and Bee