“FLAXIES” IN TROUBLE.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 20 August 1919, Page 3

“FLAXIES” IN TROUBLE.

HAVE A “ROYAL” TIME AT EMPLOYER’S EXPENSE. At the Otaki Polico Court- yesterday two lads —Michael Duggan and Percy Krebs —appeared before Messrs Frank Bennett and C. H. Williams, J’s.P., charged with the theft of two dozen bottles of English stout and two and a-lialf dozen bottles of English ale, the property of A. A. Brown, of “Paetawa,” Waikanae. The lads, who are about 10 or 17 years of age, elected summary trial and pleaded guilty.

Constable Satherlcy stated that Mr Brown left the liquor in stock in a storeroom at the back of his house, and used it for medicinal “purposes. On Friday night it was found that the supply was missing, and. the constable was acquainted with the fact. He made inquiries, and accused the lads of the offence, but they stoutly denied the charge. Later he saw Duggan, who finally admitted the theft, but Krebs remained firm till brought face to face with Duggan, when he stated he had had a hand in the affair. He asked the boys what they had done with the liquor, and they took him to a raupo swamp, and showed the remainder of the plant, adding that the empty bottles had been thrown away.

The boys, on being questioned by the Bench, said they had no questions to ask or any statement to make. It was pointed out that they were liable to six months' imprisonment or a fine of £2O. Constable Satherley added that Mr Brown wished the lads punished as suspicion had been cast on all employees, and pointed out that they were receiving high wages, viz., Ils per day. It was also stated that 30s worth of stout and ale had been consumed in a very short time, and that an expense of 20s had been incurred for motor hire, which the Clerk pointed out should be taken into consideration when the penalty was fixed.

Mr Brown stated that the accused had drawn their cheques of £3 to £4 on Saturday, but had still a little to come. Asked if he intended to take the boys back in his employment he gave an emphatic “No!” saying it was not fair to place them on the same level with honest, men.

One lad said he had only consumed one bottle, while the other lad, with a smile, said he had consumed none. They added that the man who drank the liquor had “belted.” The Bench decided to inflict on each of the offenders a fine of £3, with costs, viz_ motor hire 10s, witness' expenses. (Brown) ss, and 35s for liquor consumed, in default 14 days’ hard labour.