“FORBIDDEN FRUIT.”

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1922, Page 6

“FORBIDDEN FRUIT.”

YOUTHS BEFORE COURT. Charged with stealing grapes valued at £3 from M. Scott, of Ngaere, three youths named Zam Foley (of Wellington), Harold James and Frank James (of Stratford) appeared before ;the Magistrate’s Court at Eltham yesterday. The James brothers both appeared and pleaded guilty, and Mt. Spence, who appeared for all three, pleaded guilty on behalf of Foley. Constable Townsend said the boys were motoring Stratford and ran out of benzine when near Ngaere. They tried to get benzine but failed. Going to the back of Scott’s premises to procure petrol they found th'at Scott was not at home. At the rear of the shop was a glass-house with grape vines loaded with grapes. The boys tore down a number of bunches and in doing so damaged the vines. Scott, on returning home, missed the grapes, and later found them in the boys’ possession. The police at Stratford identified the boys by the number of the car, and when* the boys were approached they admitted the theft and offered to pay for the damage done. Mr. Spence pleaded that no conviction should be entered as the lads were of good character. The Magistrate (Mr. A. M. Mowlem, S.M.) said the offence was a serious one, but he supposed it was just a case of forbidden fruit. He ordered the boys to pay damages ( £3) and the Court codts, "but no conviction would be entered. He doubted if he was doing his duty, but he hoped the lads would take a warning.