IMMIGRANT’S LAPSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1921, Page 7

IMMIGRANT’S LAPSE.

CHARGE OF THEFT. ACCUSED GIVEN PROBATION. An assisted immigrant namecL-Alfred Hinton was charged in the New Plymouth Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning with stealing a roll of /tweed valued at £3 ss, the property of A. Keig, tailor. Hinton had been arrested on Saturday by Detective-Sergeant Cooney. The statement made for the prosecution by Detective-Sergeant Cooney was tp the effect that Hinton had been in the employ of a window-cleaning firm, and was being paid 2s per hour. On May 26 he was wqripng at Keig’s shop and the following morning the proprietor noticed that a roll of tweed was missing. Subsequent investigations resulted in the discovery of the tweed at Hinton’s lodgings. His wife, who was a tailoress, had cut up part of the tweed to make suits for their boy. Hinton admitted his guilt. The family were newcomers, having come out under \he immigration scheme. Hinton said ,he had served 4 years at the war and was two years in the South African police. There was nothing known against him .previous to the present offence. “I had my passage paid. They told me there was plenty of work in New Zealand but apparently there is not,” said Hinton when asked if he had anything to say. His Worship (Mr. C. R. Orr Walker) pointed out to defendant that he was being paid 2s an hour. Defendant said he gave way to sudden temptation. Tn further explanation he said he left England in January and landed in . Sydney. He came to New Zealand in Aprii and arrived in New Plymouth in May. His Worship said that in consideration of .the fact 1 that accused had a-wife and boy he would not send him to gaol. He would! be admitted to probation for a year and ordered to make restitution of the sum of £2 to the owner of the tweed within two months. “I hope this will-be a lesson to you,” said His Worship. “We don’t allow that sort of thing in New Zealand. You have come here and you ought to obey the law.” t