POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 21719, 14 May 1934, Page 10

POLICE COURT

MONDAY. MAY 14

(Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.) , STOLE BEER BOTTLES. Arthur Elwiu Nicholson pleaded guilty to the theft of nine dozen empty beer bottles from the Henley Hotel, valued at 13s 6d, and the property of Francis Robert Keith. Accused, said Senior-sergeant MacLean, was a bottle gatherer. A motorist noticed Nicholson with his lorry on the side of the road south of Henley, and, believing that the man was intoxicated, communicated with the police. However, the police found Nicholson to be sober, the hold up being due to a tyre blow-out. The bottles were found on the lorry, and accused admitted stealing them from the hotel earlier in the evening. Accused, who Jived at Caversham, had a previous conviction for theft. Accused’s statements from the box were confused, and the Magistrate remanded him in custody till Friday to allow of the constable being called. Bail was allowed in accused’s own recognisance of £25, a condition being that he reports daily to the police.— Accused objected to. the remand, as he had to pay 25s weekly for his truck.— The Magistrate remarked that Nicholson would be better to lose the truck if he used it for thieving. ANOTHER HOODLUM. “■ This is another of the South Dunedin hoodlums,” was Senior-sergeant Mac Lean’s introduction of Alexander Gibb Davidson, who pleaded guilty to behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place. The police statement was that Davidson atterapetd to gain entrance to a dance on Saturday night when he was drunk. Constable Elmes. who was on duty at the hall, advised Davidson to go home to save himself trouble. Davidson went away, and later returned with another man. He started to “ play the fool ” in a drunken manner. Accused had a bottle of liquor. When the constable spoke to him Davidson used insolent language. Davidson said he had never previously been under the influence of liquor. “ It will give you the opportunity of best considering .matters,” said His Worship, remanding Davidson in custody till Friday. REMAND GRANTED. A young man. whose name was suppressed, was remanded till Friday, bail being allowed in his own recognisance of £25, on a charge of the theft of an overcoat, valued at £4 Bs, the property of Butterfields Ltd. It was stated that the charge arose out of a hire-purchase agreement. ' . AFTER HOURS TRADING. Lawrence Patrick Howard pleaded guilty to selling liquor after hours oil Saturday. ■ Senior-sergeant Mac Lean said a man carrying a bag containing liquor was accosted, and told the usual falsehoods. The licensee was, however, very frank. He conducted the hotel in a satisfactory manner. A fine of £3 and costs was imposed. MAINTENANCE. For disobedience of a maintenance order Neil George McKinnon - was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, release to be made oh payment 'of £l3 12s 6d. . ' An application by John,Mamie Booth (Mr C. J. L. White) for variation of a maintenance order was dismissed. Mr G. M. Lloyd appeared for Mrs Booth. Maintenance, separation, and guardianship orders were sought by Isobcl Harpur (Mr C. M. Barnett) against Prosper Butler Harpur. Complainant said that her husband deserted her last July. , Later a separation agreement was drawn up, Harpur to pay 35s weekly. 'He had paid only £2.—The orders were granted, maintenance being fixed at £l. Past maintenance was fixed at £5. , . Adam Gibson Scott was proceeded against by his. wife in respect to,an application'for separation, maintenance, and guardianship orders.—Mr F. C. Dawson appeared for the defendant and Mr G. T. Baylee for the complainant. —The plaintiff stated in evidence that she married the defendant in 1916, there being four children of the marriage. In 1931 she took proceedings against the defendant for separation and maintenance on the grounds of habitual inebriety and persistent cruelty; hut because of the promises he made the proceedings were withdrawn. In 1933 she entered into a deed of separation with the defendant, who, however, returned to her until a month previously, when he again left her.—The case was proceeding when the court adjourned till the-afternoon.