LYTTELTON.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7869, 21 May 1891, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

Wednesday, May 20. (Before J. Hamilton, A. Chalmers, and J. Milaom, Esq's., J.P.'s.) Coal Stealing.— J. Calam, W. Lester, Ed. Lancely, G. Driscoll, J. Driscoll, Alex. Morris, James Morris, and John Duffall, boys ranging from ten to fifteen years, ■were charged that on 16th of May they did steal a quantity of coal, valued 2s, the property of the New Zealand Government railway. In answer to the charge Driscoll and Morria pleaded "Not guilty, the rest pleaded " Guilty." Sergeant O'Malley stated that complaints had been made that a, quantity of coal had been taken from the wharves when steamers were unloading. J. Ashley, station master, stated that tons of coal were pilfered from each of the steamers when unloading. He did not wish to press the charge, but only to have the practice stopped, as the children ran great risk when crossing between the trucks. Detective Marsack stated that he was on the wharf on Saturday and noticed a lot of lads taking coal. He captured three of the accused, but the others escaped. He could not recognise Morris and Driscoll, but had gone on the information of the three who Bad been caught. The Bench discharged Morris and Driscoll, as there was not sufficient evidence. The remainder were convicted and discharged with a severe caution.

Robbery.—Ed. Creasy, Saml. Wright, Arthur Bryant, Walter Walsh, were charged that on 16th May they did steal £5 in notes, a passage ticket valued J34, and a penknife, the property of James Millar. Mr Nalder appeared for Creasy, Bryant, and Walsh, who pleaded not guilty. James Millar stated that he resided at Rakaia. Left home on Saturday morning, arriving at Lyttelton at 11 a.m. Had £11 10s in his possession in pound notes, and 20s loose silver. On arrival at Lyttelton visited the Mitre hotel, then had dinner, and strolled about the streets. During the afternoon visited the British Hotel, where he was accosted by Creasy, who appeared to know him. Had one drink there with Creasy, and then went to the Mitre Hotel at about three o'clock. Then went to the railway station, and got his swag, and a ticket from the Union Company, which cost j£4. After having tea, went to the Royal and met Creasy and another of the accused. Creasy insisted on pulling witness about, and afterwards offered to accompany him to tlie Dingadee. They then went into the Mitre Hotel, where Bryant accosted them. On going into tho street again Creasy caught hold of witness turned him round and told him to look at a light down the bank. They. then lifted his hands up and started rifling his pockets. Witness warned the accused not to rob him, when one of them caught him by the throat and threatened to strangle him if he made a noise. They then took everything of value from witness' pockets and made off. Could only recognise Creasy and Bryant, but thought Walsh was the man who caught him' by the throat. Witness then went to the police station and gave information. Recognised the knife and stud produced, which were in his pocket along with some silver. Cross-examined by Mr °Nalder—Had several drinks before meeting Creasy. Recollected seeing Creasy before purchasing the ticket from the Union Company. a number of drinks before tea-time, which had taken effect on him. After tea met Creasy, and went with him to the Royal HoteL Did not recollect playing with dice, but spent several shillings m "drinks. Had not asked Creasy to accompany him on board the steamer, and tried to get away from him. Bid not lend Creasy any money to gamble with, nor his knife to cut tobacco. Was positive that Creasy put his hands in witness's pockets, bnt could not swear to the remainder. John Couzens, aged 13, remembered being by the Bank of New Zealand at eight o'clock on Saturday night. Saw Creasy and Wright, and others go down the bank by the casual ward. Beard Creasy say "Keep in the dark," after which they all went over to the Mitre. In a few minutes they came out of the hotel with Millar, who they held against a fence on the opposite side of the street. After keeping him there for about ten minutes they let him go. Could not see what was being done to Millar, but afterwards went with him to police station. At this stage Mr Nalder applied for an adjournment till to-day, as he had another witness to produce. This was granted, and the Court adjourned.