PAHIATUA. MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 244, 12 September 1935, Page 8

PAHIATUA.

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

CHARGES RELATING TO OPIUM. CHINAMEN ACCUSED. Three Chinamen appeared in the Magistrate’s Court tins morning on charges connected with the alleged smoking of opium, or its alleged possession. Messrs W. Lowe Black and J. A. Cruickshank presided. Ah Joe, alias All Bing, of 317 Main Street, aged 33 years, was charged that, being the occupier of premises at 317 Main Street, he did permit them to bo used for the smoking of opium on September 11, 1935; that lie dal smoko opium on that date, and also that lie was found in possession of prepared opium. Senior-Sergeant Mori arty asked for a remand until to-morrow, but Mr J. M. Gordon (counsel for all accused) requested that any remand should bo until Monday. That was granted. Mr Gordon asked for bail, saying that only about three ounces of opium had been found. Senior-Sergeant Moriarty opposed bail, saying only £5 had been paid off a fine of £25 imposed on accused about a month ago. , The Bench refused bail, and the decision as to the next appearance of accused in Court was reversed at Mr Gordon’s suggestion, the request of the senior-sergeant then being granted. Sing Lee. of Otaki, aged 03, was charged with being found without lawful excuse, on September 11, on premises situated at 317 .Main Street, such premises being used tor the smoking of opium. Senior-Sergeant Moriarty. asked tor a remand until Monday, and Mr Gordon requested bail, saying it could he substantial. Accused was a stranger, said the senior-sergeant in opposing the granting of bail. Accused might not be easily found again. Bail was allowed in a personal surety of £SO and a bond of £SO, the remand being granted. _ Sam Kwong, of Otaki, aged 40, w r as charged with being found without lawful excuse on premises at 317 Main Street, such premises being used for the smoking of opium; with being m possession of prepared opium, and also with smoking opium. The Senior-Sergeant asked lor a remand until Monday and Mr Gordon asked that bail should be allowed. It was the first time accused had been before the Court, lie said. The granting of bail was opposed strongly by Senior-Sergeant Moriarty. He said accused would be too difficult to find if he disappeared. The remand was granted ancl ban fixed in the same amounts as In the other case.

CASES AT WELLINGTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 11. In the case of William Victor .Russell, charged with negligent driving and causing death, the case arising from an accident at Tawa Elat on July 27 in which Alfred William Coleman, 14, was killed while riding a bicycle, the Magistrate dismissed the charge, saying there was practically no evidence of negligence. A further charge of driving at a speed which might have been dangerous was also dismissed.