BOY ROBS DRAPERY STORE’S LETTERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 131, 24 August 1927, Page 13

BOY ROBS DRAPERY STORE’S LETTERS

THRASHING RECOMMENDED COUNSEL BLAMES EMPLOYERS “WHAT he wants is a sound thrashing,” said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., when a boy aged 17 admitted nine theft charges at the Police Court to-day. The boy stole eight postal notes valued at £2 10s 6d and £7 in money from his employers between June 12 and August 19. Chief-Detective Ward said that the lad had ben employed in the mailorder department of a city drapery firm since 1925, and had taken the money from letters containing country orders. Mr. Moody, who appeared for accused, said that he admitted the offences when questioned. His salary was only 25s a week, and out of this he paid 20s to his parents for board. “Five shillings a week is enough for him—what does he want money for?” asked the magistrate, and recommended the thrashing. Mr. Moody: That might do him good. The magistrate: It would do him good. Counsel then suggested that the boy should be placed on probation. “I don’t want him to go away from here thinking that nothing has happened,” said the magistrate. “If he is put on probation, the terms must be strict.” Accused was placed on probation for two years and ordered to make restitution of the stolen money. Mr. Moody, in applying for a suppression of the boy’s name, said that his employers were to blame fo.r having one so young opening their correspondence. “I wouldn’t let a boy open my correspondence,” added counsel. As no one else was likely to be blamed for the crime, Mr. Hunt suppressed the name.