LADIES’ FAVOURITE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9110, 1 April 1908, Page 7

LADIES’ FAVOURITE

When Edwin Hart, a gentlemanly looking German, wearing a fur-lined overcoat, and giving an address in Olapham road, appeared in the dock at South-Western Police Court, the, public benches were crowded with well-dressed ladies, alijTofwhom were alleged to be the victims of cleverly-planned robberies. He was charged with stealing jewellery worth several hundreds of pounds from various private hotels where he had taken np his residence. Only three of the alleged thefts were investigated. The scenes of these were ; Thrale Hall Hotel, Streatham ; Ilchester Mansions, Bayswater; and 48, Queeusborough Terrace, Hyde Park; aud the jewellery stolen was valued at £450. Accused arrived at the houses carrying a bag, aud always selected the best bedroom. He proceeded to make himself at home, mixing freely with the guests, and was regarded by the ladies particular! v as a very good fellow. While the giiests were'at dinner or being entertained to music iu the dining room he visited the and took possession of what he could lay his hands on, then disappearing. When arrested prisoner said. “I suppose it is a case of going once too often to the well.” Later he added: ‘lt’s no use denying it. I’ve had the stuff, and it has gone through the pot. ’’The police stated that nrisoner had suffered two terms of nenal servitude, having carried onliis operations iu Luxembourg, Boulogne, Eastbourne, Hastings and some of the large provincial towns. He was regarded said the police as a most dangerous thief. Prisoner was committed for trial and on quitting the dock exclaimed laughingly to the assembled ladies: “So long, dears!”