POLICE COURT.—Saturday. [Before T. Beckham, Esq., R.M.]

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3118, 15 July 1867, Page 5

POLICE COURT.— Saturday. [Before T. Beckham, Esq., R.M.]

DRUNKENinrSS. Junes Wright and 1 homas Brown vr ere sentenced to the usual punishment for drunkenness.

LABOBHIBS. William Dixon was charged with stealing a ooat value 10b. , from the schooner *Argo,' the property of Willam Lowe, maiter. The prosecutor, on being called, did not appear, and Sergeant-major Molloy stated that the vessel had gone to WangareL Mr. Wynn said that this only showed the justice of the observations he had made the other day. There had either been a failure of justice or that man had been imprisoned -wrongfully, simply through want of the ordinary meant of administering the law. Surely the people were taxed to secure life and property, but* the Government did not supply the necessary machinery. His Worship said that up to that day there had not been a day clear, and even that day was required by the clerks to make up their account-books. It was true that there was either a failure of justice or a false imprisonment. The prisoner must be discharged. Di*on asked if he could proceed against Lowe, who had laid the information against him. It was done from spite. His Worship said the Court could not give advice ; if he wanted it, he must go to a solicitor, Discharged. Mary Clarkson was charged with stealing three house-.blocks, from the house of Henry Hayr, Epsom. She pleadsd guily, and was sentenced to ten days' imprisonment. Richard Phillips and JohnMcClintook were charged, with stealing a coat, value 255. 6d., from the shop of Messrs. Hay and Honeyman. The larceny was proved on the evidence of Mr. King, assistant to Messrs. Hay and Honeyman, and Detective Ternahan. Sentenced to 'three months' imprisonment, with, hard labour.

Non-payment o? ojty ba^ks. Jgihn Copland was charged 'with non-payment of city rates to t^e amount of £10 Bs. 4d. Mr. Copland appeared, and denied his liability. He stated that the tax was for the Waitemata Hotel, for which his leaie had been abeyance sinoe the building wai burned down, in August laat. The rent had not been paid since. Shortly after the fire, he had told Mr. Diddams that tke rate would be paid by Mr. Coolahan, the landlord. Besides, he had now been rated as if the house was still standing. He was formerly charged at tb,e rate of £300, and the rates had been reduced throughout the city, and he had been charged at £250. His Worship said that was a matter for appeal at the proper time ; as it was^there'was no escape, and the defence of these cases amounted to nothing whatever. M Mr. Wynn said that Mr. Copland's lease provided that if, during the currency, the place should be burnt down, the rent ceased until it wai built again,. But Mr. Copland was still the leiseg, although he might be \n a pbsition'to recover from the landlord. ' On the suggestion of the Court, Mr. Copland consented that an order thould be made, Mr. Wynn promising that the matter should stand over at present, to see if some arrangement could be made. Charles Mack was called for non-payment of £4 3s. 4d. of city rates, on a. wood building in Albert: street, but did, not appear* ' ~ The case was proved on the evidence of Mr. Biddams, and judgment given. The Court then adjourned.