POLICE COURT.—This Day.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1821, 16 December 1875, Page 2

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) CHILDREN' OF NIGHT.

Thomas Mahoney, Peter Salmon, alias E'ish-, and Robert Sargent were fiaed 53. each for being drunk last night. Patrick, alias " Masterraan Heady," was fined 103., this being his second offence. MOLLY BROWK.

This popular washerwoman was again brought up on a fifty-fotsrth charge of drunkenness. Mrs. Brown deposed that she was so rejoiced on being liberated from servitude at Mount Eden and on again being permitted to breath the air of freedom that she treated herself to some toddy, which seriously affected her head. Fined 103. and costs* Fi.OWE* STEALEES FROM GRAVES. Thomas Hamilton and Michael Kilduff, two youths, were again bi ought up on a charge of stealing flowers from graves in the Presbyterian Cemetery, value "4s , the property of the Trustees, on the 12th inst. ' The hoys admitted the offence. Bis Worship said that the offence was unEnglish, and he was thoroughly ashamed of boys who could be guilty of such conduct; it was an offence entirely unknown in such countries as France and Germany, arjd he hoped that the punishment they had already received would have the effect; of preventing them from acting in such a heartless and disgraceful way in the future. The lads hurjg down their heads and appeared abashed at their conduct.

They were discharged. The sum of 10s , which had been leffc with the Editor of the Eveni- g Stab was handed in to the Court to dispose of as his Worrhip should think fit, as the proprietors of the said journal did not wish to exercise any control over the money. His Worship considered that the money should be put into the Court box for the benefit of the Industrial Home, Howe-street.

" COACHEE."

William Powley was charged with leaving his Hackney coach unattended in Queen- ;

street, on the 11th inst. Mr Laishley appeared for Mr Powley, and pleaded guilty under extenuating circumstances, and he had been advised of the facts by Mr Quick. The defendant had left his carriage to go into an hotel after his fare, and while there, the constable came up and charged him, whichfhe thougt was hard as he was suiDg for bis fare.

Fined Is and 5s 6d costs.

CRUELTY TO SHEEP.

George Petchell was charged with cruelty to a number of sheep on the 11th inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. A gentleman, whose name we conldj not hear, deposed to the nature of the cruelty, also a lady in Karangabape Road, who witnessed the acts of ciuelty. Constable Clarke spoke to the defendant upon the matter, when he owDed tbathehad 26 sheep in his dray. He was taking- then* to the Thames steamer at the wharf.

Defendant said he had no questions to ask. He pub an, extra number ©n tlae dray in order to be in time for the steamer.

Fined 5s and costs, £1 6s 6d. THB TEMPTING GRASS.

PTenry Alcock was charged with depasturing a horse, on the 10th instant, in Nelsonstreet.

Mrs. Alcock appeared in defence of the animal, who was tempted to steal a bit of grass without her knowledge and consent; the animal was a docile creature, and was not conscious of infringing the by-law.

Fined 2a 6d and 5a 64 costs. THE POPULAR RUNNER.

John Conn, described as an itinerant newsvendor, again appeared on a charge of stealing two goats, value £2, the property of Fergus Keehan and others, on. the 18th November.

The accused called Mr William Baker, in

proof of his innocence. { The accused then examined Mr Baker, ■ who deposed that he was station-master at Penrose, and remembered two goats being at the station on the 18th u!t. (Conn desired that the goats might be introduced into Court.) Witness believed they were the same goats, both the billy and nanny. He heard arrangements made about money in pay meet with a girl ; he should know the girl again. Accused asked him to lend him money towards payment of the goats. The accused thea called JMr Houlton, of Epsom, to testify in his favour, but as several carts heavily laden were passing at the time, not a word of Mr Houlton'B evidence could be heard by the reporters. . ~ Mr Houlton said he could not swear to the goats, which had been offered to.hind for sale, .and he should have bought them, but Conn asked such an exorbitant price that he dropped the matter. Henry fcchumacher said he saw the accused about a month ago, with two goats iv his possession, a billy and nanny, one white and the other brown.

His V\ orship thought it was unnecessary to call other witnesses, as there appeared to be some mistake in the matter.

The case was then dismissed, the goats to be given up to the parties who bought them off Conn.

FAILING TO SUPPORT.

James Harris was brought up on a charge of failing to contribute towards the support of his three children in the Industrial Home in accordance with an order made a few weeks ago

DefencLnt put in a certificate from Dr. Philson to shew that he was unable to earn s sufficiency for the purpose. ' He had been exceedingly unfortunate since he had reached this country!, He was in busiaess as a grocer and cheeiemonger at home, but had come to New Zealand with the view of making his fortune, instead: of which his wife had got into prison and he into penury. Mr. Broham said these kind of people gave the police no end of trouble, and their child* en were a burthen on the public; they would not contribute uiiless compelled to do so.

Defendant said that in consequence of=hiH' wife's delinquencies everybody •looked upon him with suspicion and he could Hot get work.

His Worship said that he would giye him four weeks' grace, but he must assist in sup*; parting his children, as he was bound to do.} ;

STEALSG A HAMMER. # , Patrick Ready was charged with atealiDg: a spald ing hammer,. value 7s. 6d, the property of Thomas E. Powley, on the 14th inst. . ■ r:^.f.\<i'; ■•:.' ■■•■-■■ '■"•'j o'.? -'.IN;-

Prisoner denied the charge.. , . , On the application of Mr. Bronam, the case was adjourned until Saturday. This was all the business. .