LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8784, 26 January 1892, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

POLICE COURT.MONDAY. 1 1 [Before Mr. J. p. King, J.P.] Drunkenness.—Two first offenders were each fined 5s and costs, or in default twenty-four hours' hard labour. Another first offender, who did not appear, 'had his bail forfeited. Hugh Davies, for a second offence, was fined 103 and costs, with the option of forty-eight hours' imprisonment, and John William Bible, an old offender, was fined £3 and costs, or fourteen days' hard labour. [Before Mr. J. P. King and Captain Anderson, J.P.'s.] Vagrancy.Henry Williams was charged with having been drunk in Custom-street; also with having insufficient lawful means of support. Prisoner pleaded guilty to the first charge, and not guilty to the second. Constables Grey and Mathieson gave evidence. They stated that he slept at night on the reclaimed land, and was in a filthy condition. The Bench stated that the accused had a very bad record, and sentenced him to three months, with hard labour. Michael Weil was also sentenced to three months for having no lawful visible means of support. John James Brock, charged with a similar offence, received a like sentence. Mr. King said it would be a charity to accused to send him to prison, and save him from the wretched life he was living. William Evans, an old mail of 87 years, likewise charged with having no lawful means of support, was also sentenced to three months' imprisonment without hard labour. Constable Grey gave evidence to the effect that accused was long past work, and had to sleep on the reclamation, having no means of livelihood. Mr. King asked if the man could not be received into the Costley Home. SergeantMajor Pratt replied that he had been taken in at the Home, but refused to stay. Mr. King thon remarked that such men as the accused were a great expense to the country. Lawrence Kilgollan, also charged with vagrancy, was remanded until Thursday next, as he was at present in the Hospital suffering from the effects of drink. On the Wrong Side.—William Menzies was charged with having, on the 13th January, being then driving a 'bus, failed to keep on the left or near side of the street when meeting another vehicle in Customstreet. Mr. T. Cotter appeared for the defendant and pleaded not guilty. William 1). Dallen deposed that on the evening of the 13th January, shortly after eight o'clock, his vehicle met the 'bus driven by the defendant. The latter went to his wrong side, and thus caused a collision, the pole of the 'bus injuring witness's harness. Edward Smith, Margaret Connor, and Constable Stanyer, also gave evidence for the prosecution. William Menzies deposed that Dallen pulled first to the wrong side, and then suddenly drove straight across witness's course, thereby making a collision unavoid able. Arthur Wright, tailor, also gave evidence. Duncan Stewart, livery stable keeper, deposed that Dallen had stated to him that his 'busman liad .damaged his (Dallen's) harness to the value ot £4. The Bench thought that the evidence was very conflicting, and that there were faults on both sides. The caso was therefore dismissed. Alleged Wife Desertion. — Samuel Johnston was charged with having unlawfully deserted his wife. On the application of Mr. W. J. Napier, who appeared for the complainant, the case was adjourned until next day.