DYSPEPSIA, PERHAPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 106, 26 July 1927, Page 13

DYSPEPSIA, PERHAPS

AN EXCUSE FOR CRIME OLD OFFENDER GAOLED TAYSPEPSIA might have been the excuse for crime of Kenneth William Munro, aged 44. He grabbed two bottles of bismuth indigestion tablets from a city chemist’s counter yesterday when the chemist wasn’t looking. Unfortunately for Munro, a bystander was looking, and he was soon under police escort. He asked the constable to have a drink, and his insistence led to a struggle. A lady’s coat, worth £5, and a hat, costing 19s 6d, both with tags on, came into view in the struggle, and these articles were also found to be stolen. Munro appeared at the Police Court, before Mr. McKean, S.M., to-day, charged with the theft of the articles. “I haven't the faintest idea what happened to me yesterday,” said he. Jess Noble, a Maori, of Helensville, said that he saw Munro grab the indigestion tablets from the chemist’s counter. He pointed the man out to a constable, and the other articles fell from his clothing.

Alexander Eccles, the chemist, said that Munro came in for a “pick-me-up.” He was “under the influence” at the time. To Constable J. Wilson, accused said that he had bought a “pick-me-up,” and a cake of soap for his girl at the chemist’s shop. Asked to show the soap he pulled out the indigestion tablets. The hat, which he said he had bought, was two sizes too big for him. “I’m a married man with a family and I’d like another chance,” said the accused. Senior-Sergeant Edwards: He’s had plenty of chances. He has six previous convictions for theft. Munro was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment, and he was ordered to make restitution of £ 2 Bs, in default seven days’ imprisonment