YOUTHFUL DEPREDATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19997, 14 January 1927, Page 8

YOUTHFUL DEPREDATIONS.

THIRTY-ONE CHARGES. BREAKING AND ENTERING AND THEFT. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, January 13. Four youths whose depredations covered 31 charges of breaking and entering and theft, and who were described as some of a gang, appeared before Mr . Justice Stringer in the Supreme Court this morning for sentence. They were Thomas Henry MTntyre, nine charges of breaking, entering, and theft, and two of theft, James Norman Richards, five of breaking, entering, and theft, and one of breaking and entering with intent; Hector Donald Connolly, seven of breaking, entering, and theft, and one of theit; and Cyril Patterson, three of breaking, entering, and theft, and two of theft. , • Mr Bryce Hart appeared for the four accused. He said the thefts had been carried out most systematically, but the ]jQyg ivere all in work, and their employers spoke highly of their ability. It was apparent that thev 1 ad started with a small crime that had led to others. It was admitted they were difficult to manage, and their parents found .it was. well-nigh impossible to keep them in at. night. Another unfortunate aspect of tne case was that while on bail the boys had committed further offences. t His Honor: They all look somewhat undersized for their ages. Mr V. R. Meredith (Crown Prosecutor). Thev are certainly not well developed physically, but they are extremely active in their depredations in spite of their Honor; I* is certainly deplorable to see you four youths in this position, You come from apparently respectable parents. You are all in employment which might have led to better things, but you have come to this. It is impossiple for me to know what , sort of home influence yon have, but whatever it has been. it is not effective. The only alternative .is for the State to try its hand m discipline and reform. You all show an entire lack ot responsibility, ,s was evidenced while you were on bail. Each of you will be committed to the borstal institute for a period of three years. It might be some consolation to vou to know that you can shorten that term if vou behave yourselves, but if you do not you will serve the whole term.