Youth Admits Thefts From Motor Cars About the City

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 49, 20 May 1927, Page 1

Youth Admits Thefts From Motor Cars About the City

“THIEVING ’ RIGHT AND LEFT”

“lIS has looked ahead along the corridors of the future and O seen what is in store for him,” said Mr. Matthews in the Police Court this morning, when a lad of 17 pleaded guilty to four charges of theft of gloves and electric torches from motor-cars about the city. “He might be looking along the corridors of the gaol, if he doesn’t look out,” replied Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., aptly.

Counsel pointed out that the boy’s parents had gone to England and left him in the care of his sister, who could not control him. His partner, Mr. Selwyn Clarke, was virtually the boy’s guardian. “He’s a sneak-thief, that’s what he is,” observed Chief-Detective Cummings, and mentioned that a baton made from the end of a billiard cue had been found under the accused's pillow when he was arrested. Mr. Matthews promised to look after him and bring him before the court if there was the slightest sign of further trouble. “I want to consider his future,” counsel added. “And I want to consider the man who leaves his car and comes back and finds his gloves and things gone,” retorted the Bench. “Even a dog is given a chance on his first bite,” pleaded counsel. “Not in this country,” was the reply. Mr. Matthews then mentioned that the accused fead an elder brother. \ “Leu the eider brother give him a

good hiding then,” recommended Mr. Hunt. Mr. Campbell knew something of the youth. He had been under the probation officer’s care, unofficially, for some time, but he doubted whether he would respond to control of any sort. “He’s been thieving right and left,” said Mr. Campbell. “He’s a bad young scamp,” said the magistrate, “at the same time his parents go to England and leave the boy without any control to roam about as he likes.” The city missioner was in court. “There now, Mr. Calder,” continued the Bench, turning to him, “here’s another brand you can drag from the burning.” “I’ll place him on probation for two years, but work, make him work,” said the magistrate. “Work is one of the counter-blasts of religion,” replied the city missioner, “six days shalt thou labour—” “And not steal on the seventh either,” Mr. Hunt finished lor him.