OTAHUHU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 331, 20 November 1917, Page 2

OTAHUHU

THEFT BY BOYS. At the Auckland Children's Court on Saturday before Mr F V. Frazer, S.M., a lad of fifteen and a younger brother, who had been implicated in the theft of money from an office in Otahuhu, in which the actual taking was done by the smaller boy, who said his elder brother had put him up to it, came up for sentence. The Probation Officer reported that the smaller boy appeared to be fairly well conducted. The other lad was working and in his spare time he had acquired a general reputation for precocity in the matter of being a " man about town," incidents of " sharpness " and of lavish expenditure of money in treating mates and girls." Family inquiries resulted in the information that the lad was allowed to keep all the money he earned, and, beyond that, a remark, he did not believe in letting his mother know too much of his affairs, did not give much confidence in the home control. Mr Hall Skelton. on the boy's behalf, urged that the elder lad be given an opportunity to show that he had benefitted by the lesson of being brought before the Court. Counsel indicated that the parents had in view a situation on a farm where the supervision would be strict, and the boy would not be allowed full control of the money he earned. His Worship commented on the fact that the boy, when his guilt had been clearly proved, held to his denial. He was obstinate and selfwilled and required very firm training to make him into a useful member of society. He would be committed to Burnham Industrial School. The charge against the other lad would be adjourned for three months, pending good behaviour. The Premier (the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, M.P.), and Sir Fredk. Lang M.P. were present at the Otahuhu Bowling Club's green on Baturday last, when they renewed the acquaintance with many of their old friends. There was a good attendance of ladies at the quarterly meeting of the Otahuhu Ladies Patriotic League in the Parish Hall on Thursday last, over which the Mayoress (Mrs A. McDonald) presided. It was decided to do as much eewing as possible for the children in France who unfortunately have suffered much in consequence of the war. Jnder the presidency of the Vicar (the Rev. H. Mason) the subcommittee appointed at the last meeting of the Otahuhu Patriotic Committee met on Monday, the 12th November, and made preliminary arrangements for the Monster Fete and (Jala to be held in February. The event is likely to be the " big push " of the year. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Sunday School Anniversary has been fixed for Sunday, the 2nd December, but details have not yet been finallyarranged. Last Tuesday evening the choir of Bt. Andrew's Presbyterian Church met and proceeded in the form of a surprise party to Mr and Mrs Henry Moffat's home in Seddon Terrace, where they received a most hearty welcome. Needless to say a very enjoyable time was spent, music, games and dancing being indulged in. During the evening the choir nude two presentations. To Pte. Allan Moffat, who was home on his 1 final leave Miss Jessie McArthur handed a set of briar pipes saying that although they regretted him going from their midst, yet they were 1 proud to think he had answered his i country' 9 call in such a willing manner. She wished him every success and a safe return. Mr A. i McDonald (choirmaster) was then presented by Mrs Fraser, on behalf ; of the choir, with a silver music stand as a token of appreciation of his splendid work in the choir during the past twelve months. After partaking of a sumptuous supper pro--1 vided by the ladies the proceedings were brought to a close by the pinging of A.uld Lang Syne.