POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1899, Page 5

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Mr T. Hutchison, S.M.)

■And a Bath.'—A frowsy looking individual named Arthur McLean pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness and obscene language. Sergt. Clarke said that to send the accused to gaol was the only way to get him clean, and he was badly in need of a bath. His Worship: Two weeks imprisonment—and a bath. (Laughter.) Theft by a Servant.—A young woman named Margaret Morris was charged with stealing some bedroom linen to the value of 15/, the property of .lames Morrison; and three knives, value :>/9, the, property of George Akers. The accused had been a servant in the employ of both Mr Morrison and Mr Akers. Dr. Laishley appeared for her and pleaded guilty to both charges. He slated that the tilings were all sent back by the accused voluntarily except the toilet cover. His Worship remanded tin; case for the probation officer's report, bail being allowed as before.

Maintenance. —.Joseph llaslip applied to have an order of 15/ a week in support of his family varied, on the grounds that he was out of work and consequently earning nothing', and that, an injury to his leg prevented him from doing anything but light work. Mr Drookfleld appeared in support of the application, and Mr Colbock to oppose him. His Worship after hearing evidence reduced the order to 10/ a week.

An Insurance Transaction. —Joseph Albert Morris, who described himself! as an insurance agent, was charged with obtaining £ 1 from James Carson by false pretences, by representing that lie was authorised by the Sun Five Insurance Company to effect insurance on their behalf. Dr. Laishley appeared for the accused, who pleaded not g-nilty. Carson, a shop-keeper of Victoria-street, said the accused came to him on December 28th and told him he (witness) could insure the stock in his shop for CSO by paying £1 per annum. In reply to a question as to what office he represented, accused said lie was travelling for the Sun. Witness gave him £1, and accused wrote out a receipt for the amount. \i was signed W. A. Thomas, for J. A. Morris, agent, and mentioned the Sun Office, On inquiry at that office afterwards witness learned that lie was not insured. William Thomas, a canvasser for the Sun Office, said the accused had no authority to sign for him, and he could not understand why the accused had done so. He knew Morris as an insurance canvasser, but the latter -was not employed

the Sun office, said a canvasser had no power to take money without, first receiving a proposal. Actiiig-Detec-tive Kennedy also gave evidence. In defence Morris denied any criminal intent in the transaction. He said he was employed by G. S. (rraham, insurance broker, and denied having represented to Carson that he was authorised by the Sun office to effect insurance on their behalf. What he said was that it was probable that the Sun would got the policy. The' last risk he took for Mr Graham had been placed to the credit of the Sun. lie did not pay over the £ 1 to Mr Graham because he could not see the latter until yesterday. Witnesses were also called as to character. His Worship said he was satisfied that the accused did represent himself to be authorised by the Sun Office. A conviction was recorded and a fine of £10 and costs inflicted; in default two months' hard laboiir. Accused was allowed one month in which to pay.

Sly Grog Selling.—Florrie Campbell and Irene Stewart pleaded guilty to a charge of selling beor without a license. Mr Reed appeared for the accused, and said they were leaving the colony. They were not well off, and he asked that only a moderate penalty might be inflicted. His Worship imposed a fine of £10 in the case of Florrie Campbell (against whom there was a previous conviction), and £5 in the other case, with costs 10/(5 each. Mary Dooley pleaded, guilty to a similar breach'of the Licensing Act and was fined £10 ami- costs 13/.