A CONFIDING VISITOR

Grey River Argus, 31 December 1914, Page 7

A CONFIDING VISITOR

ENTRUSTS MONEY TO STRANGER

CASE BEFORE THE COURT. The story of how a visitor to Grey mouth on a recent Saturday met a chance acquantaince, treated him liberally in the matter of liquor refreshments and cab drives, and finally^ han ded over a sum of money for safe keeping, was told in the Grey Magistrate's Coiint yesterday afternoon, when William Manson was charged with the theft of a sum of £b in moneyed one bottle of gold specimens (valued at ,£l, the property oi Jeremiah Geaney, of Kaimata, the theft being alleged to have taken place on Saturday, 19th ins:. Inspector Phair conducted, the case for the prosecution, and Mr. J. W. Hannan appeared for accused, who pleaded not Dr. James Mcßrearty. and Mr. Joseph McLean, J. P's, presided. THE EVIDENCE. Jeremiah Geaney, gold miner, Kaimata, said on Saturday, 19th inst. he came into Greymouth from Kaimafa 3 arriving at about 11 o'clock in the morning. On reaching Grey witness went to the Union Bank for the purpose of selling some gold, a litfle over two ounces, tor which he received £S 7s id. The money was paid in single £\ notes and seven shillings tn silver. Witness placed ,£6 in hi? waistcoat pocket and £2 and the silver in his trousers pocket. He had tlso in his possession a bottle of gold specimens, and he recognised the specimens produced in Court as his property, although they had been chan ■i,cx\ from the original bottle. The bottle of specimens was carried in his vest pocket on the opposite side to that in which he carried his money. After selling his gold witness went to he Empire Hotel, had two drinks (beers) and then went to the dining room to have dinner. Whilst having dinner accused came in ana sat down v the table. Witness asked accused )f he would have a beer with his djn ncr and to this accused consented. After dinner witness suggested, in order to put in the day, that .accused should accompany him in a drive to the Cemetery. The accused agreed, but before setting out witness purchas ■d two bottles of beer. On the way >ut they had a drink at the Recreation Hotcil, during which time witness exlibited the bottle of gold. The jour ney to the cemetery was then resumed, mcl witness again treated accused at •:he Australasian Hotel. Witness was ■ommencing to feed the effects of the liquor, and proposed returning- to town which was done. They returned An Kennedy's stable? and witness paid v 'or the cab. On accused's suggestion, witness agreed to accompany him to a certain house, on entering which 'ccused said "You don't know where you are. You had better give me hat money, and I'll look after it." The house was occupied by an elder'y woman, who was present. Accusd made an attempt to put his fingers Ai witness pocket to which the woman jbjeoted, but finally the accused got he £b and the bottle of gold. Acused made the excuse to< the woman .or taking the money that he was a .riend of witness's. Accused counted he money in the presence of the wonan and placed it in his pocket. They hen left the house, accused stating hat. he would see witness before the jtira train left, but he did not appear, md witness' went in search of him, hiding him in an hotel in Mawhera Juay. Witness asked for his money, .nd accused said he had never met lim (witness) before in his liie, and iid not know him. Wtness said he vould take half, but accused refused, did witness then made a complaint 0 Detective Andrew's*. A warrant vas then issued for accused's arrest. To the Bench; Witness clearly real cmbered every tevent during the lrive," although he felt the effects of h drink he had had. He recognised 1 man in court, .as the one who had iriven the cab on the day in question. To Mr. Hannan: Witness had two Irinks before dinner. At the Recreaion Hotel they had two' drinks, Witicss paid the cabman 3s or 4s before ■tart ing from town, and another 2s ai ;he Recreation Hotel. Witness "shou ed" once at the Australasian. They hen drove straight back to town. \tter entering the house which they /isited, accused said he would look ifter witness's money for fear it would ie lost. Witness agreed on the conlition that it was given before the Itira train left. Witness was a little ho worse of liquor at this time^. It .vould be aboufr four o'clock when hey left the house. Witness and accused Jeft the house together, and parted near Mawhera Quay, agreeing to meet again before the Otira " train left. Did not see accused agam ! .il| about 9.30 p.m. Witness had sevc ad drinks' when looking for accused n the various hotels, and was fairly drunk wheni lie again met accused. He spent, all he had that day with the exception of the £6 which accused had. Ta Inspector Phair: From the time they left the Empire Hotel till they reurncd ,»o Kennedy's stables, witness had four drinks. Witness had several drinks later when looking for accused.