Fines and Penalties

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 96, 26 April 1939, Page 7

Fines and Penalties

MAGISTRATE’S COURT PROCEEDINGS

Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M., presided at the sitting of the Magistrate’s Court in Palmerston North yesterday. Stanley Roy Walters, a bankrupt butcher, of Palmerston North, was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment without hard labour on a charge of failing, prior to his bankruptcy, to keep proper books and accounts. Mr. H. R. Cooper, Crown prosecutor, said accused came to Palmerston North from Pabiatua in 1932 with £lO in capi Ho carried on a butchery business until his bankruptcy on December 2, 1938. It was practically a cart round and the only book Walters kept was worse than a farce. He had no cash book. The deficiency iu the bankruptcy was £173 6s 5d owing unsecured creditors. £3O worth of book debts were not worth 30 pence. Mr. G. Rowe, counsel for accused said accused’s circumstances had been brought about by hardship more than by wilful neglect, llis income had been so small that it had scarcely warranted keeping accounts although he should have done so. The only money withdrawn from the business had been for living expenses. His Worship pointed out that, with a small business, Walters should have had more time to keep proper books. H. J. Sutton defended a charge of moving into the pathway of a car ho had overtaken near Sanson, without there being at least 18 feet clear between the two cars. The evidence dis closed that the defendant was hauling a trailer and the car overtaken was forced off the road to avoid a collision Defendant said he had no recollection of the incident. He had travelled that day from Cambridge and had passed many cars. It had' come as a shock to him to get the summons. —A fine of £1 was imposed with £1 18s 6d costs.