STOLEN CLOCKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1062, 28 August 1930, Page 1

STOLEN CLOCKS

BLAME PLACED ON CHILDREN TWO WOMEN FINED That three'stolen clocks found in their homes had been taken from a shop by their children was the excuse advanced by two married sisters, charged v/ith theft, at the Police Court today. Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., disbelieved the story and fined the women £2 each, or seven days in default. Ethel May Simpson, a married ■woman, was charged with stealing two clocks valued at 15s, the property of Harry Dove, at New Lynn, on August 14. Her sister, Eveline Brett, faced a similar charge in respect of one clock. Through Mr. K. C. Aekins, both entered pleas of not guilty. Harry Dove, a furniture dealer, of New Lynn, said that both women had ordered and paid for bedding from his shop on August 14. He could not remember if they had their children with them, though they may have had. The following day he missed the clocks and notified the police. “I went to the back of the shop and left them alone for a while.” said witness. "They have not returned to the shop since the theft. I have known both women for years and they have always been honest.” Detective Knight said he had called at Mrs. Simpson's home and she had denied knowledge of the theft. He asked if he could search the house and she agreed. He found the clocks and Mrs. Simpson said she would give a correct statement. She then stated that her two children, aged five and four, had taken them. Mrs. Brett also stated that the clock found in her possession had been taken by her little girl. DISCOVERY NEAR HOME Ethel Simpson told the magistrate that she was nearly home when she discovered that the children had taken the clocks. “Don’t tell me lies!” said Mr. Hunt. “I suppose if your sister goes in the box she will say the same. You walked half a mile and didn't see the clocks. Don’t talk nonsense!” Mr. Aekins said they should have returned the clocks, but they had been quite frank about the whole affair. “Yes, when the police chased them,” said the magistrate. Mr. Aekins said the women had had a talk with Major Annie Gordon, who might say something in extenuation. “They told me the same) story, said Major Gordon. “Well, you may believe it, but X don’t,” said Mr. Hunt. “I’m not going to send them to prison, though. Each woman is fined £2, in default seven days. They have till Saturday to pay.” Mr. Aekins asked that the names of accused be suppressed. “No, they’re old enough to know better,” said Mr. Hunt.