LAWRENCE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23093, 20 October 1938, Page 3

LAWRENCE NOTES

MAGISTRATE’S COURT. A sitting of the Magistrate’s Court was held on Monday before Messrs R. F. Batchelor and J. W. Mair, J.P.s. Thomas Robert Welsh, of Beaumont, and Hugh Muir Miller, of Dunedin, carrier, were charged that on June 14 they discharged a shotgun at three motor signs, thereby committting mischief and damage to the extent of £2 12s 6d to signs belonging to the Otago Automobile Association. Defendants were also proceeded against for dis-» charging a firearm without reasonable cause in a public place—i.e., the Rae’s Junction-Tapanui road. Miller was further charged in respect to a similar offence on the Clarksville-Alexandra main highway. Welsh (Mr R. C. Moore) pleaded guilty to wilful damage to the one sign, but technically not guilty to the discharge of a firearm in a public place. Constable Parkhill explained that an automobile patrol had reported the damage to the police, who, after inquiries, had traced the offenders. Welsh and Miller were deer stalking on the Tapanui side of the Blue Mountains. It was dark when they came out of the bush, and they partook of some liquor. Welsh fired at a signboard on top of the hill. They went on. and going down the line’s Junction hiller Miller-also fired at one or two signs. The first on the Beaumont side had a hole blown through the board, and the second a further two holes, one at each side of the upright. The gun must have been discharged at close range. It was also pointed out that Miller, as a carrier between Dunedin and Queenstown, must have realised the value of these signs to the travelling ptrblic, and in the circumstances the police had no option but to ask for a substantial penalty. On the charge of wilful damage to the signboards, Miller (who did not appear) was fined £4, with couft costs 10s, and ordered to pay for two signs valued at £1 15s. On each charge of discharging a firearm he was convicted and fined £l, with court costs 10s. The Bench decided to extend leniency to Welsh, on account of his family. On the charge of damaging one signboard he was convicted and ordered to pay 10s, court costs. THE FIRST VOTER, The first 1 to record his vote on election day at the local polling booth was Mr Fnink Moyle, aged 98 years, who can claim to be the “ father ” of Lawrence, and also a member of the fast diminishing band of Gabriel’s Gully pioneers in 1861. Apart from failing eyesight, this veteran enjoys perfect bodily health, and may be constantly found upon the main street of Lawrence recounting tales of “ the good old days.” CENTENNIAL COUNCIL VOTE. The sum of £223 was voted to the Otago Provincial Centennial Council after its representatives, Messrs J. S. Ross and R. T. Hay (-secretary), waited upon the council and explained the plans for the province. The sum, it was explained, was allocated upon a population basis. Several members spoke in favour of the payment, and the motion was carried without dissent. It was pointed out that the population basis saved the council possibly £SO as compared with the valuation basis. TENNIS CLUB. The opening of the Lawrence Tennis Club’s season was held on the courts on Saturday afternoon. There was a very large attendance of players and guests. During the afternoon a match was played between teams picked by the president and secretary, the latter team winning by five games. PERSONAL. Rev. J. R. Metcalfe, of the island of Choisenra, Western Solomons, was a visitor to Lawrence during the weekend. Nurse Cunliffe, of the Government Dental Department, commenced her duties in the local dental clinic on Tuesday.