MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 817, 14 May 1910, Page 13

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

(Before Mr. W. Q. BiddelL S.M.);

THE BOWLS YET, CEE, BAM, SEE

USUAL CHINESE CASE.

The long outstanding caso of Wong Leo, which has been hung up pending tho result of an appeal in another Binular case, was finally disposed of. Accused was charged with having, during January, 1910, been the occupier of certain premises in Saining Street, used as a common gaming house. Sub-Inspector Norwood explained the position of the case, which had been before the Court on January 28. The appeal in the other case had now been settled, the appeal being dismissed. Mr. P. W. Jackson, for accused, said his client was a' poor man, and a heavy fine must mean that he would have to go to gaol. The fines already imposed in these cases, said counsel, were having a salutary effect and had acted us a check on gambling. His Worship said accused had been guilty of keeping 'a. pak-a-poo house, and selling tickets, and he would bo convicted and fined £30, and costs £1 o's., in default two months' imprisonment.

ECHO OF A BAZAAR. A charge of stealing a rain coat, valued at 355., the property of Eileen Wareham, was preferred against a girl named--Evelyn Guilford, who pleaded not guilty. Evidence was called to show that both girls were taking part in a bazaar on March, 26. Miss Wareham left her coat in a dressing-room when she entered the bazaar, but on leaving for homo the coat was not to be found. Later it was found in the house of defendant. The defence was a denial of the theft. Defendant explained that- on tho night of tho bazaar she threw, her brother's coat over her shoulders, and proceeded to the bazaar, leaving the coat in the dressing-room. This coat was of the same colour as tho one alleged to liavo been stolen, which latter was subsequently found behind a door in defendant's house. When she eventually saw' the strange coat in the house she took it to her cousin's house, tho cou-

sin having been given some clothing by'a Mrs. M'Cardlo, and asked the cousin if it belonged to her. The roply was a jocular, "Yes; you can have it," and here the matter rested, until the police took it up. She had worn tho coat openly in the street, never suspecting that it belonged to Miss Wareham. Her brother's' coat had not been seen since the night *of the bazaar. Evidence was also given by defendant's mother, brother, and cousin. His Worship said he was not satisfied with defendant's explanation, and she must be convicted. The Court did not propose to inflict any penalty, but defendant should take warning that she must be more careful. She would be convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called on. Mr. P. \Y. Jaoksou uppcarod for defendant. CONSISTENT PERFORMER. "He has been before the Court on five previous, occasions for breaches of the order, and has in all 56 previous convictions against him," said Sub-In-spector Norwood, referring to a man named George Hastings, charged with procuring liquor during the currency of a prohibition order. Accused was convicted and fined 505., and costs 95., in default fourteen days' imprisonment. . SUNDAY TRADING. No appearance was made by Neil Blair Austin, charged with having kept his shop open on Sunday, May 8, for the purpose of transacting business. Sub-Inspector Norwood stated that thoro were five provious couvictions against tho .same defendant for Sunday trading. On' the occasion in question two probationers purchased cigarettes from defendant, and kept a watch on tho shop for two periods of fifteen minutes. On tho first watch, between 6.45 p.m. and 7 p.m., 21 persons entered the shop, and during tho second watch 19 entered. His' Worship entered a conviction and fine of 205., and costs 75., in dofault seven days' imprisonment. CHAUFFEUR PENALISED. Whilst driving a motor-car on April 25 Alexander Nicol had the misfortune to knock a pedestrian over at tho corner of Manners and Willis Streets. As a result of tho attontion drawn to tho car, Nicol was charged with failing to keep to the left, or near, side of the street, when driving tho car past the intersection of Willis and Manners, Streets. Defendant explained that there was no room on tho proper side of the road, and ho was forced out of his position. A firio of 10s., and costs 165., was entered. OTHER CASES. "You had bettor pull up. In the eyes of the law you are an habitual drunkard," said his Worship to Henry

Ohaa. Harvoy, charged with innobrisljjT. Dafondant had threo previous oawHH tions against his namo during &» pssfc six months. A conviction and fino of 20a., in A»fcnhi esven days' imprisonmcnt, vaa entered, and a prohihiticin order was ordered to issas agsnxst defendant. A middle-aged woman named Sarah Jamioson was convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonmont for drunkenness. The police stated that defendant had 43 previous convictions against her, and on two occasions recently- sho had had to undergo medical treatment as a result of her over-indul-gence. Two first' offenders for drunkenness wero convicted and discharged. Annie Magdalene Johnston was charged with insobriety and with the breach' of a prohibition order. Defendant was convicted and discharged on the first charge, and on the second she was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called on, on condition that sho goes into the Magdalen Home and remains there for sis months. For entering licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order, Jas. Patrick M'Quade was convicted and fined 405., and costs 75., in default seven days' imprisonment.