DEFENDANT ABSENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 261, 18 August 1931, Page 7

DEFENDANT ABSENT.

DEATH CERTIFICATE PRODUCED.

A QUESTION OF IDENTITY

(Special tto "The Guardian.")

CHRISTOHURCH, August 17. The present whereabouts of a defendant in a traffic case caused a certain amount of speculation in the Magistrate's Court this morning. A month ago when the case was call-' ed it was stated that the defendant was dead, but Chief Traffic Inspector Macintosh refused to believe the rumour and the case was adjourned till to-day. "I appear for the deceased estate: of the defendant," said Mr Holmes when the case was called to-day. "I produce the death certificate, your Worship. I was also at the funeral." Smiles went round the Court, but Mr Macintosh still declared that he was not convinced. "I am convinced that we know the right man," he said. Mr Holmes said that defendant had admitted the offence. "How do you know? Have you seen him?" asked Mr Macintosh. "We will have to treat it as not served," said Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., after inspecting the death certificate. "You may be able to serve it later on," he remarked, smiling. "Well, I hope Mr Macintosh will be there," said Mr Holmes as a parting shot.