THE COURTS.—TO-DAY.

Evening Star, Issue 111548, 6 February 1900, Page 2

THE COURTS.—TO-DAY.

cm POLICE COURT.

(Before U. C. Graham, E«q., S.M.) Drunkenness.—John Dix wsficonvicledand discharged, and for disorderly conduct was convicted and fined 403; Thomas Farrell, was fined ss, in default twenty-four hours'' imprisonment. By law Cases.-A charge against Allan Johnston of allowing four horses to wander iu South Dunedin was dismissed. Peter Grant and Mee Lea (for whom Mr Hanlon appeared) were each fined 2j 6d for placing , dust tins on the footpath. Indigent Children. Two little boys, , William and Fred Pine, wore brought before i the Court as being children within the ■ meaning of the Industrial Schools Act. Mr Haulon appeared for Mrs Pine, who objected to the committal of the children. The ease had been adjourned from a provjou-j occasion to allow the police to bring evidence to support their application. They wore now prepared with evidence that would satisfy the Court that it would be in the interesta of the children that they should ha removed from their present surroundings,— Evidence was given by Thomas Pine, Mrs Seque, and Dr Brown (house surgeon of the hospital).—Mr Hanlon submitted that the csss must be dismissed, as the polios had failed to prove that the surroundings of the children were in any way harmful or prejudicial tp their welfare.—Evidence for the defence was given by Horatio Nelson Pine, after which His Worship declined to make an order for the committal of the children.

Theft.—Elisa Esy (an Italian) was charged 1 with the theft, on February 6, at Clinton, of Ha 9d in silver, the property of Margaret Leslie Maogregor,—Mr Hanlon appeared for acoussd, who pleaded not guilty,—Thofaota, as stated by Sub-inspector Kiely, were that complainant was yesterday travelling to Dunedin by the South express. At Clinton she got off the train to go to the refreshment room. She had her purse in her hand, but had about 4s in silver loose in her pocket. When going into the refreshment room she felt somebody at her pocket, and immediately turned round and saw accused. She got some onpa of lea and took them back to tire radway carriage. When she put her hand into her pocket for the money to pay for the tea she discovered that the money was gone. Another lady who was looking out of the carriage window saw accused put his band into Miss Macgregor’s pocket. When Balclutha was reached Miss Maogregor and the ady who had witnessed the affair told the constable of the occurrence, and he came on to Dunedin and arrested accused at the station. There was no question of identification, but, unfortunately, the second witness, who had seen what had happened and had promised to give evidence, had not put in an appearance.—Evidence was given by Mies Macgregor and Constable Williams (who said that when arrested accused had about £2O in notes and silver in his possession).—At this stage the proceedings were adjourned till Thursday, to give the police an opportunity of securing the attendance of the other witness. Ball was allowed in one surety of £2O. J