POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 17543, 24 December 1920, Page 6

POLICE COURT

Fiuday, DucEinsKK 24.

(Before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.) CASE DISMISSED.

James Merae Walsh, late head clothing salesman at Hallenstein Bros.' shop in Princes street, was charged with the theft from that shop of a pair of underpants, valued at_J2s 6d, a singlet valued at 16s 6d, and a pair of socks valued at 5s 9d. He pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr Hanlon.

Frederick Pogson, the firm's manager, said that Walsh told him on the Mondav morning following the alleged theft that he had had some little fuss with the night watchman after being on the premises for the purpose of getting a bag he had left there. The goocjs mentioned in the charge iu oi ot entered in the books until the 21st, being then charged to a man named Meinung. One of the rules of the firm was that employees should not enter the premises after closing time. Accused had now been dismissed by the firm for a breach of their regulations. He had been a first-class salesman,., and there was nothing to complain about in his conduct during, the four months he had been employed.

Kdward Olaff Meinung, a butcher, but who dabbled in electricity, said Walsh had come to see him on the Saturday nicht and they had some drink. About 2 am. he accompanied Walsh up town, because lie thought the latter was a bit" staggerv " Walsh had approached him about becoming a customer of the H.B. previous to this! When near the shop he said he would- go in and get his kit. Both went in, and Walsh asked witness what it was he h?d wanted, and gave him the go6ds mentioned, saying he would fix the matter on Monday morning. On leaving the shop -jey met two policemen, to whom accused explained that thev had gone in to <=ee about the electric light. Constable M'Lean told how Walsh on being questioned on coming out of tho shop said he had gone in.to get a bag, and that Meinung had had the parcels when he went into tKo shop. Walsh showed signs of drink, but Meinnng was

Detective Palmer said that, when interviewed accused had denied 'taking anything from the shop except the bag Accused, on oath, said he came from Sydney to the firm. While in the shop that night he had showed a peculiar arrangement for lighting and°extinguishing the window lights. They had both been. drinking. He had told the policeman that the parcels carried by Meinung were his (Meinung's) own. and i 1 P ol^? man sot questioned the latter. His reason for not booking up the goods till a week later was to give the customer .an extra month's credit. The Magistrate said that the jcircumstances were certainly peculiar, but there was a possibility that accused's story was correct. An important feature of the case was that there was nothing furtive or secret about the matter beyond the time* of the visit to the shop. This, however, might: be explained by accused's statement. In view of the circumstances, there was a reasonable probability that accused's action was innocent. The case would be dismissed. REMANDED. David Witham was charged with obtaining by means of a false pretence instruments and medicine valued at £46 16s 6d from Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co., by representing that he was the veterinary surgeon for the Taieri Farmers' Union. Chief-detective Bishop said that other charges were pending against accused, who was also wanted in Auckland on a charge of forgery. Ho asked for a remand for°a week in the meantime, and this was granted. DRUNKENNESS. James Purvis and a first offender were each fined 10s, in default forty-eight hours' imprisonment, on charges of drunkenness. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS. The Magistrate said that as this would be the last sitting before Christmas he desired to'extend Christmas greetings to the police, the court officials, and the Press. 4