POLICE COURT—THIS DAY

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 88, 15 April 1891, Page 5

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY

(Before Dr. J. Giles, R.M.)

A Sad Case.—Frederick John Connell, aged ten years, Herberb Owen Connell (5), George C. Connell (3), Alice E. Connell (13), and Florence G. Connell (2), were charged with having committed a breach of tho Industrial Schools Act by dwelling wibh a person known to be an habitual drunkard, named Martha Ellen Connell. —Sergeant Bernard deposed that tho father of the children was dead, and the mother was a confirmed drunkard. The children had been in recepb of charitable aid.— Patrick Quinlan, licensee of the Windsor Castle Hotel, deposed he was trustee and held money on behalf of the children. Any money given to Mm Connell was immediately spent in drink.—Mits Rachel Curley, sisber to the mother of the children, gave evidence as to Mrs Council's drunkenness and the manner in which the children were neglected.— Dr. Giles said thab ibwas a very lamentable and disgraceful case. It was certainly nn anomaly thab while the law should be compelled to interfere and take children away from neglectful parents, yet ib made no provision for the punishment of such parents, bub lob bhem go scob free. He committed the children to the Industrial School, to bo reared in the Roman Catholic faith, and made .an order thab the mother should contribute £1 per week towards bhe supporb of the children. The mother of these children is quibe a young woman, apparently not more than 30 years of age. Alleged Larceny of Sacks. — John Glover, aged 14 years, and John Jones, aged 15, were charged with having on the 10th of April stolen a number of Backs, value 2s 6d, the property of Robert McGee.—Mr J. O'Meagher appeared on behalf of bhe two accused and pleaded not guilty. —Robert McGee deposed to seeing the boys in his shed. They had a lighted candle and came oub wibh some sacks. When he spoke to them they cleared. He knew the boy* well.—Constable Russell deposed to arresting the two boys, who both denied thecharge.—Johnllawke,butcher,Karangahape Road, deposed that on tho nighb"in quesbion, he saw the two boys going past his shop. His place was near MeGee's. -rJohn Poet, grocer, Karangahape Road, deposed that his yard adjoined MeGee's. He saw the boys nearly opposite the entrance to MeGee's premises. Some other boys were with them.—Mr O'Meagher pointed out that there had been no identification of bhe property by Mr McGee.— Sergeant-Major Prabt pointed out thab McGee had sworn he handed the sacks to the constable.-t~Dr. Giles said that, was suffi-cient-identification.—John Glover was sworn and denied having committed the offence. Witness was in company with Jones and Gn'lagher that night and was never on MiG->e's premises.—John Jones aiso denied having comnibted bhe bheft. The boy Gallagher was called, bub did not appear in answer to the summons. The case was adjourned on the" application of Mr O'Meagher until 2 o'clock in order to produce this witness.—When bhe Court resumed, William Gallagher deDosed that he was in company with Glover and Jones from 6.30 o'clock until 8.30 o'clock on the night in question. They did not go to MeGee's place.—Dr. Giles considered the case, proved.—John Glover was fined 10s and costs, or seven days' in default.—John Jonee, having been previously convicted, was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour,