MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Rotorua Morning Post, 31 August 1931, Page 4

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

TWO THEFT CHARGES ADMITTED BY MAORIS. HAT AND SHOES STOLEN. Petty theft eharges, in which three young Maoris figured, were heard before Messrs. A. W. Downer and F. W. Wilkie, J.'P. in the' Rotorua Magistrate's Court on Saturday morning. Tuhaere Tahama, aged 22, a labourer employed at Timberlands, was charged with the theft of two pairs of shoes valued at 31s., the property of William Richmond, also a Maori working at Timberlands. Sergeant Hardley told the beneh that Richmond 'purchased the shoes and left them in his motor car outside .the Majqstic Theatre while. he went to the pietures. At half-time he saw the rear door of his car open and on investigation discovered that his shoes kad been stolen. When the performance finished, he saw Tahama coming out of the Majestic with shoes in his pockets. The -police were informed and Constable Roberts arrested accused. In the meantime it appeared that one of the pair of shoes* was transferred to Atirangi Tahama, brother of the accused, and a charge was brought against' him of receiving the shoes knowing t'hat they Were stolen. ■ « Mr. Roe appeared for- the two brothers, and in the ease of Tuhaere, pleaded guilty. Atirangi swore that he had met his brother in the street under the influence of drink. He had a pair of shoes in his hand and he (Atirangi) took possession of them l for fear they would be lost, but he had no idea whatever that they were stolen. Benefit of Doxxbt. The bench decided to give, Atirangi the benefit of the doubt and dismissed the charge against him Tuhaere was fined £5, in default one month. James- Wallaee, also def ended by Mr. Roe, pleaded guilty to the theft of a hat valued at 25s, the property of Mr. A. Walden. Mr. Roe explained that Wallaee, with others, had gone into the shop for the purpose of trying on hats. Wallaee was very drunk and walked out with a new hat on and left his old one behind. It was