WRONGFUL CONVERSION.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 160, 25 November 1926, Page 4

WRONGFUL CONVERSION.

A CASE AT OKOROIRE.

Heavy Fines Imposed. .> F. W. Tarniti and J. O. S. Hittit, natives, were charged at the Putaruru Court before Mr. W. G. K. Kenrick, S.M., on Thursday with converting a motor car to their own use without being the rightful owners. S. J. Bear, Tirau, said he left his car outside the Hot Springs Hotel at Okoroire on August 18. His attention was later drawn to a crash and he found that the Maoris had run into a bank with his car, which he (the owner) had left locked. It appeared that they had been round the block and then “ crashed.” To Mr. Hewitt (who appeared for defendants) witness said the car was damaged to the extent of £6 Is. The police said the accused were natives of Rangariri but had been working on the roads in the district for the Public Works Department. Mr. Hewitt said the natives had no intention of stealing the ear—must have been “ parangi.” The magistrate said the practice of converting ears was too throughout the country. It that fines were of no use and it was a question as to whether he would send accused to prison. They had made no effort to pay the expenses, although given plenty of opportuni- ■ ties to do so. Seeing that it was their first offence he would impose a. fine of £lO each and order each to pay £5 to the owner of the car. The accused were given until November 2S to find the money.