A CONVENIENT MEMORY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 183, 12 November 1910, Page 2

A CONVENIENT MEMORY

FOURTEEN DAYS FOR ITS RESTORATION.

i By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday, i Harry Davis, trimmer on the Ulimaroa, was charged at the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., with having stolen an overcoat valued at £2 ss, the property of Mrs. Montgomery, a through pas- ' senger by the vessel. Accused denied the allegation. Sub-Inspector Norwood called two stewards on the Ulimaroa, who gave evidence that in consequence of a complaint made to them about 10 o'clock last night, as the ship lay at Queen's wharf, they went to the ladies' section of the steerage cabins. On entering one of the compartments, they saw a man standing over one of the top bunks, ; occupied by a lady named Montgomery, busily engaged in turning over the luggage. He had his hand on an overcoat which was lying between a portman-j teau and a hat box. When asked what he was doing there, the intruder said he

was 'looking for birds." The matter was reported to the Chief Officer, and a little later accused was identified in the forecastle as the man who had visited the ladies' quarters. Davis said that he went ashore with a friend at 8 p.m. They had a few drinks together and returned to the ship about 9.30. He went straight, to his own bunk, and he knew nothing about the alleged theft until they came and pointed him out. His Worship said he doubted whether the evidence was sufficient to convict Davis of theft, but it was sufficient to convict him of attempted theft, and the charge was amended accordingly. "This class of offence has come before the Court too often lately, and a stop must be put to it," said the Magistrate. Davis was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment.