LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7639, 17 May 1886, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

POLICE COURT.— Saturday. [Before Mr. H. de C. Martelli, J.P.] Drunkenness.—Mary Ann Wilson, for a third offence, was fined £5 and coste, or 14 days in default. [Before Measrs. H. G. Beth b_itb, E.M., and A. G. Norton, J. P.] Bbeaxing into a Fruit-stall.—John Beeeton(l4)and Charles Wynn (11) appeared, on remand, on the charge of breaking into the fruit-stall of Charles Sharp, at Devonport, on April 21. Sergeant Pratt stated that the lads had been frequently remanded, and in regard to Beeston a petition had been got up by the inhabitants that he was of unsound mind, and a letter had also been received from Dr. Parkinson. They all considered that the lad was not responsible for his actions. The boys had had a good warning. The police consented to a withdrawal, as the prosecutor did not wish to press the charge. Withdrawn. Sergeant Pratt then applied to have Wynn committed to the Kohimarama School, as bis mother (a widow) was unable to control him. Mary Wynn deposed that she had four other children to support. She was unable to control him, and could not contribute to his support at the school. Constable Hutchison said that for two years the mother had lost complete control of the lad, and he was running about the shore stealing. Even since the case had been before the Court he had stolen articles from boats on the shore. The case was put back for the attendance of the HelieviDg Officer (Mr. J. Graham), who deposed to giving relief to Mrs. Wynn four years ago. Order granted, the lad to be brought up in the ttoman Catholic faith, [Before Mr. 11. G. Stth Smith, R.M.] The Oyster Season.—Robert Ridling was charged with taking rock oysters from Wailiekc Island, a place within the protection district, on May 13. The defendant admitted having the oysters in his yacht, but said his son had picked them. Mr. Hudson Williamson, who appeared for the prosecution on behalf of Her Majesty's Customs, said Waiheke was included in the district over which the close scasoo extended till March, 1887. Mr. Parker, one ot the Customs officers, when crusing among the inlands, had discovered the defendant on his yacht Deerhound,with three large sacks of oysters,which he admitted having taken from McLeod's Bay, Waiheke. The Government had given all the necessary instructions as to the prolamation of the close season, and the Press had given every publicity to them, but, «*s it was the first case, it was not sought to press for the infliction of the full penalty of £25. Henry Parker, ti dewaiter, H.M. Customs, deposed that he was cruising in the launch on April 13 near Waiheke Island, and came across the yacht Deerhound in Rangitoto Channel. The defendant had been engaged in the trade from fifteen to twenty years. In reply to Hi 3 Worship, as to whether he had any evidence to offer, the defendant said he was at the mercy of the law and the Bench. Fined 200 and costs. A second information, for having possession of the oysters, was withdrawn on the application of Mr. Williamson. Protection Order. —By arrangement between Messrs. Theo. Cooper and O'Meagher, the application for a protection order by Mrs. Lynch against Denis Lynch, was adjourned to Saturday next. Affiliation Cask. — Robert Henry Wheatley was charged with refusing to support hie illegitimate child, of which Madoline Green was the mother. Mr. A, Brock appeared for the prosecutrix, and stated that the defendant admitted the paternity of the child, but refuted to contribute, as he, being a bootmaker at I'arnell, was unable to procure work on account of the strike. The defendant consented to an order being made for 5s per week. JLakcent of Wheat.—Henry Beehre was charged on summons with stealing a quantity of wheat, valued at 255, the property of S. C. Brown, on January 2S. Mr. T. Cotter appeared on behalf of the defendant, and made an explanation of tho frequent ocoations upon . which the case had been adjourned, and stated that by arrangement with Mr. Theo. Cooper, who was instructed for the prosecution, a plea of guilty would be entered, and the infliction of a fine would not be opposed. Mr. Cooper consented to the infliction of a fine, and pointed out that the prosecutor only sought that the defendant might not leave the Court without a conviction being recorded against him. Fined 25a (the value of the wheat) and costs. By consent three other charges were withdrawn.