A CHARGE OF THEFT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LI, Issue 9067, 12 April 1906, Page 8

A CHARGE OF THEFT.

A NORXIAXBY CASE Before Messrs Robbins and ODonnell, J.P.'S, William George Epping, jnr.. was charged this morning with stealing a case of kerosene from the Nbrmanby railway station', on Monday night. Sergeant Bernard stated the facts of tie case were that accused was seen by two gentlemen after half past 10 o'clock on Monday night carrying something in a sack. They followed and spoke to him and he replied, so that they could have made no mistake about his identity. They watched him enter the property of Mr W. G. Epping, Normasiby. He called, Mr R. T. Cowern (clerk of the Normanby Town Board) who gave evidence that he was in company with) Mr J. Urwin ©n Monday night and followed the man, as was stated, but could not identify him. The man entered the property of Mr Epping, senior. He considered the man to be taller than accused. Mr,J. Urwin gave similar evidence and said that when he came alongside tbe man he saia "You have a good load" and the .reply was "Yes"; but he did not recognise the voice. The man turned into Mr Epping .5 properly. He could not swear as to who the man was. Mr Nicholas, stationmaster of NormanJby. said jthat he missed a case of kerosene consigned to Mr Maunder, at Matapu, and with Constable Potter found one of a similar brand on Mr Epping senior's lawn. Constable Potter related finding the case of kerosene on the lawn and identified it as of the same brand as the others from which one was missed. Mr Welsh, who appeared for tihe accused, said there was no evidence- to connect the accused with the case. The case was dismissed.