POLICE COURT.-This Day.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3235, 2 December 1880, Page 2

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before K. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) LARGE IV. Selina Cornocks alias Gollop, on remand, again appeared in answer to a charge of stealing a purse, containing the sum of £4 15s 10d, on the 22ud November, the property of Francis McMahon.

Prisoner, an elderly persou, pleaded not guilty.

Mr l Jardy stated the circumstances as will appear in evidence. Mary McMahon, wife of Francis McMahon, of Abercronibie-street, deposed that prisoner called at her house and asked for assistance. She invited her into the diningroom. Sho said she was quite exhausted and would like some beer. She said she only had a shilling ; it was all the money she had in the world. Mr McMahon brought in some beer. She took a glass of wine. Prisoner said she wanted to go to the Thames. After talking for some time piisoner said she wanted to go. She accompanied prisoner towards the door, when, on passing the parlour, prisoner aaid : 11 Lawks ! what a pretty little parlour you have." She immediately went in and opened an album; began admiring the portraits. Witness was beside her, and laid her purse on the table. She then went upstairs to drsss for the circus, and on returning went for her purse when she discovered her loss. There were 4 £1 notes, half-a-sovereign, and the remainder in silver and coppers. She could swear to one of the coins because she took it of a little girl, and remarked upon a particular stain upon it. The parlour was locked. Sho did not wish to punish the prisoner. She was respectably connected, and scarcely knew what sho was about.

His Worship : Was she tho worse for liquor ? Mrs McMahon : She drank two pints of beer, and had been drinking before she came in.

Francis McMahon remembered the prisoner coming to his house. She went to Mrs McMahon. He could see through a glass door. Saw Mrs McMahon place her purse on the table. Upon leaving, pri«oner caught up something from the table, but could not say that it was a purse.

To His Worship: Prisoner's sister had offered to pay the amount, but he could not accept.

Constable Stralhern deposed to arresting prisoner on Thursday, the 25th November, at Mrs Sandall's. Told her the charge; she deuied haying taken the purse. Took her to the station. The purse and a portion of the money was found upon her. To His Worship : Frisoner's sister offered to pay the money to Mr McMahon. He could not take it as the casa was in the bands of the police, but he said he did not wish to prosecute the woman, and if the Court would permit he would accept the money, and ask to withdraw the charge. Prisoner made a long statement in defence to the effect that she received the money from a person at the Thames.

His Worship looked carefully at the evidence, and said if there was any doubt in the case, he should be glad to give the prisoner the benefit of such ; but the identi. fication of the purse was perfectly clear, while the story of prisoner was improbable. He must find her guilty, and she must take one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

CHARGE OF BREAKING AND ENTERING. George Cooper, alias Thomas, was charged with breaking and entering the dwelliag-housfi of Margaret Thomas, at Mount Eden, on the 29th Novomber, and stealing therefrom one hat and shirts, value 19s 6d.

Mr Pardy said the hat had boon traced to the prisoner, but the shirts had not been recovered.

Remanded until Monday next. This was all the business.

Rev T. D. Davis will hold periodical services at Te Aroha,

The "O. D. Times" is very glad that Mr Hall came to Auckland to meet Sir Arthur Gordon, because it is highly desirable that he should establish a good understanding with His Excellency before others have a chance to make an impression upon him.