THE FARE AND THE PINE

Evening Star, Issue 15607, 25 September 1914, Page 1

THE FARE AND THE PINE

♦- A DEAR RIDE FROM ST. ANDREW TO RATTRAY STREET. 'The exchange of a copper for a punched ticket would have earned Jamee Glossop from St. Andrew street to Rattray street. But the nimbh' nickel was not forth ccming. a.nd tn-dav. in tbs< Dunedin Citv Police Court, he w?s fined a sum which with costs (.mounted to £2 6s. It was a dear ride. The fael6, as narrated by Mr W. (J. MacGregor (for tho City Corporation), and substantiated by Conductor Holly. were that defendant travelled from St. Andrew street tr> Rattray street, and when approached for his ,fare, aftt-r fishing in his pockets, sard that Le had left his money at home. This was the third occasion upon which the de-' fondant had done thit> to the same conductor within a few weeks. The defence ranted by Mr D. D. Macdonald was that there had been no intention of avoiding payment, and defendant said on oath that. on" previous occasions he had gone along to the office and paid. The dialogue that ensued when Mr MacGregor proceeded to examine defendant was humorous : Mr MacGregor : What are you? Defendant: A prospector foil gold 1 Mr- MacGregor: You were prospecting when vou got on the car'! Defendant: No; I left that to the ooi.du.etor. Mx MacGiegor: I am afraid he struck a barren reef when he struck you. (Laughter.) Have the inspectors e\er called at your house to collect fares? Defendant i Mr* Steel called once. For the rest defendant averred that he went to the office and paid. Mr MacGregor : Do you know any at the four conductors who have complained of youv praotico* Defendant: No: « Mr MacGregor: But they, know y<M,l Defendant: Oh, yes! (Laughter.) Ihe Magistrate (Mr Bartholomew, S.M.) said that the evidence, coupled with the fact that defendant had mot yet paid the mocev lies owed, decided hint to convict. A fine of 10s, with costs (9s), witnesses' exi*n«es (6s), and solicitor's fee (JBl Is), would be inflicted.