AN ACCOUNT AND A WATCH.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1546, 16 September 1912, Page 6

AN ACCOUNT AND A WATCH.

« A GISEOKNE CASE. (Bj Telegraph.—Press Association.; Gisborne, September 12. A somewhat 'unusual case was heard before Mr. W. A. Barton, S.M., to-day. Alfred John Mossong (for whom Mr. Bright, appeared) claimed from K. Morton, (Mr. Colenian) the sum of .£ls. Evidence lor the defendant had been taken in Auckland.

Bright stated that some lime ago a watch and chain valued at £12 10s. was handed to Morton in security for an account of £1 2s. The account had been paid, and it w-is desired that the watch should bo returned.

His Worship intimated that there wa> also a claim for damages, and if he found that tho watch had been wrongfully detained he might have to allow sonic damages.

Mr. Coleman said that the watch and chain should have arrived by this time, as it was his client's intention to return the timepiece now that the. account had been paid. Edith Mosson'g, vile- of tho plaintiff, deposed that she, owed Morton, Ainswtirth, and Co., Auckland, £\ !"s.. and on informing the firm that fho was.going (o Gisborne, sho was told that Iho account would be sent on. As (he. bout was leaving for Gisborne, defendant camo to tho wharf and told witness that if shu did not settle the account ho would have hor arrested. On being told that she had no money, defendant: asked for some jewellery as security. Defendant also wanted security for the rent of Mrs. RHch's house, in which plaintiff had been living. ' Witness explained that she had mado arrangements with her landlady about the rent. Being afraid of arrest, witness handed over hor husband's watch, for which a receipt was given. To Mr. Coloman: She did not remember if anybody spoke to her about her coal account of Ss, lid. Mr. Coleman ;:rU!re«erl die Court, pointing out the facts in the evidence for the defence loken at Auckland, which pointed to Hip fact that tlm watch and chain wore. Wren only for security. .

Hi* Worship" staled he was of opinion that the wuluh had been obtained under piessm , ! , . and ho ordered that th° ponds l>o returned, and damages of J.l were allowed, with costs .t:i i , *.