TO LEARN INDUSTRY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 621, 25 March 1929, Page 11

TO LEARN INDUSTRY

REFORMATIVE DETENTION FOR YOUNG BURGLAR TWO OTHERS GIVEN PROBATION For breaking, entering and theft three young men, Laurence Moore, Alexander McPhail and Percy Bentley, appeared for sentence in the Supreme Court this morning before Mr. Justice Blair. None was represented by counsel. Moore and McPhail, who had not long arrived in New Zealand and who had nothing known against them, were given two years’ probation, but Bentley was sentenced to reformative detention for a period not exceeding 12 months. “The police report upon you is not favourable,” said his Honour, addressing Bentley. “You have already had a short term of imprisonment for an offence involving dishonesty. I think it advisable to give you an opportunity of learning habits of industry,” said the judge in passing sentence. When his Honour asked Moore and McPhail if they could do farm work both at once replied “Yes, sir.” McPhail said he had had two years' experience of farm work and Moore assured the Court he was also capable. His Honour remarked that it looked as if both had had considerable temptation. They were out of work and apparently had no money. He was going to make an exception in tlieir case and give them another chance. Moore and McPhail were ordered to pay half the costs of the prosecution.