Cheap “Joy-Ride” Ends In Dock

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 335, 21 April 1928, Page 9

Cheap “Joy-Ride” Ends In Dock

“SPLASHED” HIS CASH SON OF HIGH ARMY OFFICER An old public school boy, son of a British army officer holding high command in India, stood in the dock at the Police Court to-day. Financial irresponsibility was the cause of his downfall. XTE is aged IS, and with another English youth, aged 19, he was charged with converting a motor-car valued at £3OO to his own use. Albert Shorter, proprietor of the White Taxis, said that accused rented a car on April 16 for four hours. They were supposed to travel no more than 25 miles, and the £1 rent was paid. The car was not returned, but was found- two days later at Thames. It had been driven 320 miles, and the rent amounted to £l7 10s Id. Mr. A. Fotheriugham, who appeared for the younger accused, said he was the only friend the boy had in the Dominion. The accused’s father was an army officer holding high command in India. He had been educated at a big public school in England, and had come to New Zealand to learn his profession. “He ha.s plentiful supplies of money,” said counsel, “and only has to send home to get as much as he wants. ••Too much money has caused carelessness in his habits, and he knows nothing of its value.” Mr. Fotheringham went on to say that the accused had planned to go to Wellington in the car, and then work their passages to Australia. SPENT HIS CAPITAL The other accused said that he, too, had been educated at a public school. He had been on P. and O. ships for two years, and had then come to New Zealand, but the capital his parent provided him with was now spent. »“I think it would be well if these boys were separated,” said the magistrate, Mr. W. R. McKean. “The cases will be adjourned for three months, and I order that restitution be made.” The names of accused were suppressed.