FARMER FINED

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 530, 11 May 1920, Page 4

FARMER FINED

FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION RAILWAY TARPAULINS. "This practice of taking a loan of things that belong to others is becoming too prevalent nowadays," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Court on Thursday, when Edwin Cole Cuff, farmer, of Patumahoe, was called on to explain the reason of permitting two tarpaulins, the property of the Railway Department of the New Zealand Government, to be unlawfully in his possession. Mr. Percy H. Basley, who appeared for the defendast. admitted that his client had possession 'of the tarpaulins which, he submitted, was not tantamount to theft. He explained that Mr. Cuff was cutting chaff, and had ordered a truck and tarpaulins in order to get the chaff away. The chaff was cut, and it commenced to rain. He had £3OO worth of chaff cut, and had nothing to cover it with, so in view of the fact of having ordered a truck and tarpaulins he went to Patumahoe station and borrowed two tarpaulins.. Subsequently the chaff was. carted in, and his employees were* instructed, to take the tarpaulins back/to'the station. Instead of carrying out the instructions thty.had, covered up some manure with the sheets. Mr. Cuff said he lived three miles from the station and had motored -there to net the covers. Sergeant Cowan said of late the Railway Department was missing ctuite a number of tarpaulins, and the Police Department had been instructed to keep a lookout for the missing covers. It was a common occurrence for farmers to walk off with a tarpaulin in order to cover chaff.

The Magistrate said the penalty for such an offence was £SO. The defendant was merely in possession of the tarpaulins. At Huntly a day or two ago he had a similar case, but before it was discovered the tarpaulin had passed through four or live hands of farmers of the district. Mr. Basley said covers could not be bought. The Magistrate: That is no reason why people should steal them from the Government. Sergeant Cowan said defendant had no intention of stealing the covers. Mr. Hunt said he would not impose a conviction. There was no suggestion of theft. It was no more a criminal offance than riding a bicycle on the footpath. He would impose a line of 40s and costs K2 19s. Remanded. Bert Lingwood Noone, of Tuakau, was charged that on March 9 at Helens\ille with stealing CI 4s 6d from the dwelling house of Julian Paitry. the property of Julian Paitry. Sergeant Cowan asked that accused be remanded to Auckland. This was granted. Bail was fixed at UOO. *ound Drunk.

For being found drunk in Liverpool Street, Tuakau. a first offender, who did not appear, was convicted and discharged.