POLICE COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 234, 30 September 1908, Page 5

POLICE COURT.

■ ■ a . ~ -- . (Before Mr C. C. Kettle, 8.M.) AN OVERCROWDED THEATRE. The case in which the Auckland City Council proceeded against the Northern Boxing Association for allowing overcrowding in His Majesty's Theatre on the night of July 13 last, concluded yesterday afternoon. Mr Stanton appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Singer for the defence. James Maxwell, City Council inspector, gave evidence as to having noted overcrowding in the dress circle and stalls, while he estimated that there were 80 people also on the stage. Frederick W. Yonge, secretary of the Association, declared that there were only 40 on the stage, while only 255 tickets were issued for the dress * circle, which seated 276. Mr Singer contended that the inspector's evidence as to some of the alleged overcrowding was not reliable, as he did not count the number of occupants, and he further submitted that a conviction could not be obtained unless it were proved that the persons standing were not employees. His Worship decided that the overcrowding had been overwhelmingly proved, and convicted and fined defendants £5 and costs on each of the two informations. (Before Messrs. H. M. Shepperd and A. S. Russell, J's.P.) ANNEXING A BASKET. William Hunter was seen to pick up a wicker basket from outside the shop of David Palmer, Strand Arcade,-yesterday, tear off the ticket, and continue his walk. He was followed, however, and relieved of his new possession, whilea' little later a police-sergeant rudely laid a heavy hand on his shoulder, causing him to choke up in an access of agitation the half-consumed glass pf beer. Mr Lundon set out this morning that his client was not responsible for what he did at the time, his faculties being- too clouded for a just appreciation of what belonged to anyone just when he picked up the wickerware. The Bench, how-, ever, held that alcoholic excess was not an excuse for his act, and they fined him accordingly £2 and costs. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. George Arthur Wilson, an elderly man having all the outward appearance of being a reputable, citizen, appeared under accusation of having committed a grave criminal offence on three different occasions. Chief Detective Marsack asked that one of the informations be withdrawn, leaving two. Mr Skelton appeared in defence. Evidence was given by several boys in support of the allegation, at the conclusion of which the Bench-decided to commit the accused for trial, bail being, fixed at two sureties each, of £50 and a'c-' cused'a own recognisance, of £ 100. REMANDS. Joseph Pinto, the Belgian accused of being a prohibited immigrant, was to have appeared this morning, but Sergeant Hendry explained that Pinto was in such a weak condition that it had been found necessary to send him to the hospital. It was decided, therefore, to call his name again eight days hence. The young man Frank WaAson, alias several other names, who-Stands accused of "having thrown a half-brick'at Captain Preston, of the Salvation Army, the other night, occasioning somewhat serious injuries to the officer, was this morning; at his own request, remanded again until Monday next. BY-LAWS. Richard McDonald and William Crowl were each fined 5/ and costs for having left their vehicles without chaining the wheel. INEBRIATE. • John Green was given the choice between 10/ and 48 hours, and two first offenders were remanded for medical attention.