THE ARMAGH'S BLANKETS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 August 1919, Page 5

THE ARMAGH'S BLANKETS.

ANOTHER CHARGE OF THEFT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Last Night. Another case arising out of the recent visit of the home liner Armagh to Wanganui roadstead was heard at the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Joseph George Abbott, a steward on that steamer, was charged with stealing 21 Sankets, the property of the Imperial overnment. The police stated that the lighter Shamrock tendorod the Armagh in the roadstead, her crew including James?lrvine (master), Monto Waller (engineer), and Firmin (greaser). Waller bought the blankets from accused and they were brought ashore. Subsequently the police recovered eleven blankets from Waller, ten from Firmin, and three from Irvine.

Waller, giving evidence, said lie went on the Armagh and was approached by accused, who offered to sell 15 or 16 blankets for £3, Witness accepted the offer, and they were subsequently delivered on to the lighter.

Firmin said he saw a man throw four sacks of blankets over the side of the Armagh. Witness bought ten for 30s from Waller.

Hugh McDermott, acting mate of the tighter, said he saw accused throw two sacks over the side.

Irvine, tho master of the lighter, said Firmin passed the blankets down into the cabin, and witness helped to stow them away.

Wilfred James, purser on the Armagh, said the vessel had been engaged as a troopship, and at Sydney he took over and tyVied 7000 blankets. They were valued by the Imperial Government at 15s each. Accused bore a good character. Accused (pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial eft tho Supreme Court.