POLICE COURT. —THIS DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2465, 15 February 1878, Page 2

POLICE COURT. —THIS DAY.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) FAILING TO PAY. William Negus was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his four children in the Industrial Home, arrears £3. Defendant said he was willing to pay, but was unable. His wife was at the Thames. He would pay £2 on Monday. Remanded till Monday. FOWL-STEALIN G. Henry O'Brien was again brought up on two charges of fowl-stealing. (1) with stealing two Spanish fowls, value 10s; and (2) two common fowls, value ss, the property of Henry Surman. ■ Henry Surman, of Chapel-street, deposed that he possessed a number of fowls. He missed the Spanish fowls, and traced them to the shop of Mrs Dunning, poultress, of the Market. He did not know the prisoner. Eliza Dunning deposed that she dealt in poultry, and that prisoner offered the fowls to her ; she agreed to give him 3s for the two, but having no money in her stall prisoner said he'd call in the evening on returning from his work. He was arrested in the meantime, and did not call. She had known prisoner and his frieuds for a longtime. Detective Grace was informed by Mr Surman that he had lost his fowls ; he learnt that prisoner had left them with Mrs Dunning, and spoke to him about them. ITo said at iirst that he did steal them, and 'hen that ho bought them of a person in a juokseller's shop. Sub-Inspector Partly said that as Mrs V inning was not clear as to buying the t\\ o common fowls of prisoner, he would ask to withdraw the charge. His Worship told prisoner that if he bought the fowls of a person it would not be difficult to bring the person^forward. Prisoner did not know his name nor address. Sub-Inspector Pardy said nothing was known of the prisoner, who he believed was in a situation. His Worship said he must lind prisoner guilty of stealing the two fowls, but not wishing to blight his character he would not pass sentence upon him, but allow him to be discharged, but the charge would be recorded against him, and if brought up on any similar charge he would meet with a severe punishment. BREACHES OF DV LAWS. George Harrison oxpressman was charged with obstructing tho public by placing timber on the footpath in Queen-street, on the 6th inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Cunliffe, baker, and Constable Dyer, having giving evidence, defendant said there was a disturbance between him and his employer about the [jfare, and' sooner than take 4s fid, he flung tho timber down, but not, on the pavement. His Worship ruled that lie had rendered himself liable by his conduct, audmust pay a fine of 2s (id, costs 18s. George Osbome was charged with leaving his cart unchained in Wyndham-street, on the 9th inst. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was subjected to a fine of 2s 6'd, costs, 5s Gd. Allan McGuire was charged with not keeping a light burning at a hole in Chapelstroct, on the night of the 6th inst. Mr McGuire said there was evidently some mistake. He held that the City Council were responsible, as they had taken the work in Chapel-street. His Worship .said as there had evidently been a misunderstanding in the matter, on the part of defendant, who should have taker, some steps towards securing a light, he would only impose a fine of Is and costs.