MAORI'S HORSE STOLEN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 177, 13 December 1912, Page 4

MAORI'S HORSE STOLEN.

HIS OWN SON THE THIEF. A touching domestic drama was unfolded in the Magistrate's Court yesterday in a ease in which a native named Jack King figured as informant against his own eon, a youth of eighteen years, who was charged with horse stealing. On behalf of accused, Mr. D. Hutch on explained that relenting the steps he had taken the father now wished to withdraw the charge, but the proceedings had gone too far to enable the police to comply with his request. Continuing counsel explained the circumstances that had led up to the theft. The accused, he said, was employed at Waitara, and he occasionally stopped at his parent's residence, which was some miles out of (own. On Sunday, December 1, he "borrowed" his father's mare on the protext of going to Waitara. Instead, he rode the animal into New Plymouth, and sold it to Mr. M. Jones for £4. The cause of his temporary lapse from grace was attributed to the circus mania which suddeidy possessed the boy. A circus was in the town at the time, and his object in selling the marc was to raise money in order to join the troupe. The accused had no criminal instincts, and he apparently thought that because it was his father's horse there was nothing very wrong in what he was doing. Considering his age and the circumstances of the case, lie asked hi* Worship to deal lightly with the accused. Tile father had handed him (counsel) £4 to pay Mr. Jones, and the- son had agreed 'to repay his parent out of his earnings. The young fellow was now a sadder and wiser man, and would do his best to make amends. Questioned by counsel, the informant said the horse was valued at £ls, and lie desired "some restriction placed on the boy, lest he should err again." Much, legal argument ensued as to whether the accused had the option, seeing that he was charged with horsestealing, of being dealt with summarily, and ultimately the Magistrate (Mr. A. Orooke, 5.M.,) ruled that it was not necessary to commit him to the Supreme Court. Ho accordingly fined King £5, with costs £2 :1s (id. with the option of a month's imprisonment. Time was allowed in which to pay the fine.