Person Page - 1866

     The story of the disappearance of a dress basket, containing a lady's wearing apparel, was unfolded to Mr. T. J. S. O'Halloran, S.M., in the Port Adelaide Police Court on Wednesday morning. Henry Lofthouse and William Smith were charged, on remand, with the larceny of the basket and contents, valued at £4/10/, on March 2. Sub Inspector Bennett conducted the prosecution.      The property belonged to Miss Pansy Barry, who travelled from Alberton to Port Elliot on Saturday last. She had her basket labelled and placed in the guard's van at the Alberton station at 2.15 p.m. on the date in question, but it was missing on arrival of the train at Adelaide. The young lady, thinking that the basket would probably turn up by a later train, proceeded on her journey, but it was still missing when she reached Port Elliot.     At about 5 o'clock the same afternoon the two accused went to Port Adelaide and at the cabstand in St. Vincent street offered the basket and contents to a cabman named Henry Charles Parker for 10/. Parker and another cabman compromised by tendering 6/, and this was accepted by the pair, although the purchasers demurred that they were buying a "pig in a bag." They were informed, however, that the basket contained men's clothing. When it was opened the discovery was made that it was full of women's wear. Lofthouse and Smith returned to the cabstand, and the purchase money was refunded.      Shortly afterwards they were apprehended by Constable Warwick. When charged and cautioned Lofthouse said, "I took the basket in mistake." Smith's reply to the charge was. "What I have to tell you I will tell you in court." When Lofthouse was searched two pairs of stockings, a glove, and a piece of ribbon, identified by Miss Barry as her property, were found in his possession. Both the accused elected to be summarily dealt with. Smith pleaded not guilty and alleged that he met Lofthouse in Adelaide, and was under the impression that the basket which he was then carrying was his own property. The S.M. refused to believe the explanation, and sentenced both men to three months' imprisonment.²