STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1915, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratord, Yesterday. Kt the Court this morning, Andrew Xuismith was charged with, on or about Oct. '>7, the theft of a roll of linoleum valued at £5, the property of K. H. Robinson and Son, drapers, Broadway. Mr. R. Spence apepared for accused, and pleaded not guilty. YV. H. Robinson, draper, gave formal evidence of the premises being locked as usual, and the loss of the roll of linoleum. W. McDonald, manager of the Central Co-ou. Store Company, said that the accused had been head baker for the firm, and had charge of the bakehouse. Til eoriipany with Sergeant Dale lie saw the roll of linoleum concealed in the attic in the bakehouse, no one had permission to use the attic. Two bakers were employed, and the carters and assistants from the store frequented the bakehouse and bulk store. Ed. Townlev, assistant baker, said he had been in the employ of the company for four years, and noticed the roll of linoleum one morning, but did not say anything about it to anyone till Thursday last. 'Sergeant Dale said that he visited the bakehouse and secured a ''oil of linoleum wrapped in sacks. He then visited accused's residence and told him of discovery. Not receiving a satisfactory explanation he arrested liiin on suspicion. Constable McCowan corroborated Sergeant Dale's evidence. The Bench dismissed the charge, on the ground that there was a considerable doubt as to the number of people having access to the bakehouse. The accused was then charged with the theft of crockery from the Central Co-op. store. t AIr. Spence said accused would plead guilty to stealing a portion of the crockery, and after evidence had 'been given, the Bench lined accused £O, the goods being ordered to he returned.