“MOST BOYS ARE LIARS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 364, 26 May 1928, Page 13

“MOST BOYS ARE LIARS”

LAWYER S ASSERTION GOOD BOY STEALS BICYCLE "I am afraid that, like most men, boys are liars,” asserted Mr. Allan Moody at the Children’s Court this morning, when a boy of 13 was charged with stealing a bicycle. Mr. Moody said the mother had two other children to care for, and the erring one was a good boy at home, while he had excellent school reports. The machine was taken from the Domain and 13 cfays later the owner saw the boy riding it. Unfortunately the theft took place five days after the boy had been before the court and admonished for another offence. It was far better to keep him under his mother’s influence, suggested ML Moody. An officer of the Child Welfare Department said the boy had been under its care since November 30, 1926. He joined the Y.M.C.A., but without success. The boy led his two younger brothers into mischief. He had always wanted a cycle, and was tempted. His mother was sure she had done her best for him. "Did the mother know the bicycle was stolen when the boy took it home?” asked Detective-Sergeant Kelly. Mr. Moody replied that the machine was an old ramshackle one, fit for the scrap-heap. The mother thought it was a gift. The case was adjourned for six months, during which time the department will keep the boy under observation.