A story with a difference. News item from The Daily Standard, 13 February 1929.
Part 1:
Read on for Part 2:
…..Robert Jones (31), carpenter, on remand, was charged with having, on February 4, at Main Street, Kangaroo Point, broken and entered the dwelling house of Bertram A. Reader, and stolen goods to the value ot £56 I8s 11d, therefrom.
Witness Reid, an inspector for the Queensland National Bank, stated that about 8.30 p.m. on the date of the charge, a woman came to the gate of his home and told him somethlng, in consequence of which he went down Main Street in the direction of the ferry.
On the corner of the ferry street witness saw a man, at whose feet were two leather cases, and on whose arm was a travelling rug.
Witness said to him, “Did you just come up the footpath from towards the hotel?” Defendant replied, “No, I came in the opposite direction.”
Witness said, “There have been several burglaries round here. I’m looking for a man who came out of the Reader’s premises just now.”
Defendant replied: “My name is Jones. I’m Perdriau’s* traveller, and I can assure you that I am all right.”
The dialogue relating to the neighborly act, to which defendant replied he would do as witness was doing were he in his position then took place.
Defendant moved towards the ferry, and going through the turnstile he just missed the boat. Witness said; “I must apologise for making you miss your boat, old man.”
Defendant then told witness that it was all right, and in response to the latter’s intention to go and look for the right man, defendant said, “My name is McLaughlin. I’m Perdriau’s traveller.”
Said witness, “You told me only five minutes ago that your name was Jones.”
Witness then went, home and got into touch with the police. Later, in company with the complainant, witness saw some of the missing property at the Water Police depot.
A further remand was granted until February 19.
*Perdriau may refer to the Perdriau Rubber Company which was established in 1904 and in 1929 merged with Dunlop becoming the Dunlop Perdriau Co. Ltd.