In February 1897, James Cash was charged with stealing part of a growing tree - palm branches valued at five shillings. He was sentenced to fourteen days on gaol, which seems a very severe punishment.
James Cash stealing part of a growing tree
The Age, February 8, 1897 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193696228
Stealing Palm Branches -
James Cash pleaded guilty at the City Court on Friday to "stealing part of a growing tree," value 5s., the property of the Board of Land and Works. A constable gave evidence that on the day previous he saw accused coming out of the Wellington Gardens with some palm branches in his hands. He said he had got them in Flinders-street, where they had fallen from a tramcar. Witness went back with him to the gardens, and there found that some branches had recently been broken from a palm tree. Accused, who pleaded that he had been drinking, was sent to gaol for 14 days. (1)
The Wellington Gardens, are now, I believe Weedon Reserve, an allotment of land bi-sected by the tram lines, between Wellington Parade and Wellington Parade South; you can see the reserves on the map below. The Gardens were re-named Weedon Reserve in August 1913, after Sir Henry Weedon who was Lord Mayor from 1905 to 1908. (2)
Wellington Gardens, between Welling Parade and Wellington Parade South.
Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works detail plan. no. 879, City of Melbourne, 1897.
See entire plan here - State Library of Victoria https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/121251
I came across a few other references to the crime stealing part of a growing tree, including this one -
Tree Damaged - At the South Melbourne Court this morning, Samuel Lewis was charged with breaking, with the intention of stealing part of a growing tree at Albert Park on the 3rd inst. Defendant pleaded guilty. Constable Mumford said that he saw Lewis, in company with two boys and two girls, breaking branches off a tree in the park. They said they wanted them to decorate a room for an evening party. Defendant gave his right name and address, but the others did not, and he could not find out who they were. Thomas Boyce, curator in charge of the park, said he estimated the damage done at about L1. Defendant said be thought he was doing no harm when he broke the branches off. Mr Smith, J.P., said it was unfortunate for accused that his companions had not been arrested, as the whole thing now fell on his shoulders. Defendant was fined 5s, with 20s damages. (3)
Footnotes
(1) The Age, February 8, 1897, see here
(2) The Age, August 22, 1913, see here; https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-parks-and-reserves
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