IN CELLAR COOL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 769, 16 September 1929, Page 11

IN CELLAR COOL

CORDIAL TAKEN FROM HOTEL TWO MEN SENT FOR TRIAL When the licensee of the Shakespeare Hotel found that the bolt and chain fastening the street grating over the cellar had been removed, on the evening of September 9, he investigated, and discovered that seven bottles of cordial had been stolen from the cellar. AN the charge of breaking and entering, and stealing the cordial, Harry Collins, 50, a seaman, and Henry Girling Arnold, 55, labourer, appeared at the Police Court this morning. They were represented by Mr. Noble, pleaded not guilty, and were committed to the Supreme Court for trial. John Hook, licensee of the Shakespeare Hotel, at the corner of Wyndham and Albert Streets, said that at 9.20 on the evening of September 9 he went down to the cellar and found that the chain which held the street grating down had been removed, and that seven bottles of cordials, valued at a total of 7s 7d, were missing. It was probable that in the dark the thieves had thought it was whisky. Constables Hayes said that about 9.35 on the evening of September 9 he saw Arnold standing outside the Shakespeare Hotel, looking up and down the street. He then stooped down and lifted the grating. A few minutes later Collins appeared on the footpath from beneath the grating. In reply to the constable’s question as to what they were doing, they said nothing. When asked which one was in the cellar, Collins said “I will take the blame. Arnold had nothing to do with it.” Arnold then said;—“We are both guilty.” Seven bottles of cordial were found on Collins. Accused, in statements, said they had merely been putting the grating hack on the cellar, as they had found it misplaced. Arnold stated that he did not know that Collins had bottles of cordials in his pockets. A plea of not guilty was entered, and both accused were committed to the Supreme Court for trial.