LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10434, 5 May 1897, Page 6

LAW AND POLICE.

POLICE COURT.-Tuesdat. [Before Mr. H.W. Brabant, S.M.]

Drunkenness. - One first offender was cautioned and discharged. AllegedStealino.—Charles McGehau was charged with the theft of a pocket-book containing £40 from the person of one Samuel Moody, and on the application of Sergeant Clarke remanded till Friday next. Bail was allowed.

Taking Oysteks from a Protected Place—Charles Leath, Alexandor Leath, ami Richard Williams pleaded guilty to having on May 2nd taken half a sack ot oysters from Brown's Island, a protected place, and were fined 20s each. Mr. McAlister, instructed by the Crown Prosecutor, appeared for the Collector of Customs (Mr. Alexander Rose), who was also present in conrt. By-Laws.-Albert E, Glover, junior, was fined 5s with costs for tailing to carry liehts on his vehicle on the night of April 20th. Albert E. Glover, senior, pleaded not guilty to having on Aoril 20th driven a vehicle round the corner of Khyber Pass and Symond-street at other than a walking pace. Mr. Parr appeared for the defendant. After hearing the evidence of several witnesses His Worship dismissed the case. The defendant stated that it was his son who drove the vehicle.

Alleged Theft.—Arthur Halsey was charged that he did on or about October 30th steal the sum ot £7 16s, the money of Alice Melton, or of some person unknown. Sergeant Clarke prosecuted, and defendant conducted his own case. The prisoner was before the Court last week, when he was charged with stealing the same amount, the property of Alioe Melton. Mr. Napier (who had been instructed after (he information was laid) then appeared for the proeecutrix, and asked leave to withdraw the case as the money did not belong to Mrs. Melton, bat to Mr. Garlick. The latter, however, denied the money was his, as Halsey was not his agent. The case wu then dismissed, and the present proceeding were taken by the polioe. Alice Melton, a boardinghouse • keeper, residing in Greystreet, said the accused was living at her bouse at the end of lut year, and subsequently. He was then working for Mr. J. T. Garlick, furniture dealer, Witness wanted some furniture, and thinking Halsey might get a commission, she gave him the order to place with Mr. Garlick. The things were delivered, and witness gave Halsey £7 16s {or Mr. Garlick in two sumsone in October and the other in November. When she asked for the receipt, he said he bought the furniture in his own name, and would therefore keep the receipt himself. In January of the present year the witness got an account from Mr. Garlick for the full amount of £7 16s. She asked Halsey what it meant, and he said there must be some mistake. Halsey afterwards admitted he had spent the money elsewhere. Lucie Melton, daughter of the last witness, deposed to seeing her mother give Halsey £4, one of the instalments before mentioned. J. T. Garlick said accused was in his employ for about eight months as handyman. He was not authorised to collect money on behalf of witness. Witness had not received any of the £7 16s referred to. The goods were sold and delivered to Mrs. Melton, and the account was duly rendered. The first occasion on which witness knew the money had been paid to the prisoner was when Mrs. Melton called at the shop, and spoke of the matter. At the conclusion of Mr. Garliok's evidence the case was adjourned till the following morning for the production of another witness.

ONEHUNGA MAGISTRATES' COURf. Tuesday. [Before Mr. T. Hutchison, S.M.)

Claim for Wages,-T. Fletcher sued J. Beaver, jun., for the sum of 10s for wages due., The defendant denied the claim, alleging that the plaintiff left his services without notice. Judgment for the amount claimed, with 6s costs. Judgment Summonses.—Enoch Burden applied tor a judgment summons against John Hyland. The defendant offered to pay 6s per week. Jndgment accordingly, with costs, or in default three days' imrjrisonment. W. Bulcraig v. W. Webb: Claim £2 15s 6d. Defendant stated that he earned £1 16s per week on an average, and that he had to keep a family of six children. At the request of the plaintiff the case waa adjourned.

MAUNUATUROTO MAGISTRATE'S COURT. A sitting of the above Court was held on 27th April. A large amount of business was disposed of, the sitting lasting from 10 a.m. till 11 p.m. Mr. T. Hutchison, S.M., on taking his seat on the Bench for the first time was cordially welcomed by Mr. W. H. Snelling, J.P., on behalf of the local justices, and by Mr. McAlister, solicitor, Auckland, on behalf of the Bar. Mr. Hutchison briefly responded. The Otamatea County Council got judgment against the followiug persons for arrears of rates, viz.:—John Doran 12s 4d and costs 9s 9d; Maria Andrewatha 3s lid and costs 9s 9d; Patrick McGreevey Us 5d and costs 8s; Thomas W. Slater £10 6s 3d and costs 20s; owner 5s 6d and costs 9s 9d. A number of summonses not being served were held over.

Mr. W. H. Jackman, storekeeper, Fahi, recovered judgment against the following natives, viz.:—Moihi te Hira, £912s 2d, and costs 14s j Ringi te Mata, £916s 7d, and costs Hs; Muhaina Hiakai, £117s, and costs 10s; George Rapaua, £4 9s Bd, and costs 10s; Awa Paeturi, £311s 3d, and costs 10a; Morehau, £4 10a Sd, and costs 10s. A summons against Kama Knrupai was held over, not having been served. Thomas Hetherington sued John McCarroll for the value of some old bridge timber which he had removed, and was non-suited. Mr. C. J. Tunks appeared for the defendant, William Nutsford v. John McCarroll senr., William McCarroll, David McCarroll, Jamts McCarroll, and Thomas McCaiToll.— This was an information laid for assault. Messrs. McAlister.of Auckland, and Carruth, of Whangarei, appeared for informant; and Messrs. C. J. Tunks, of Auckland, and M. A. McLeod, of Dargaville, appeared for defendant. A number of witnesses were examined on both sides. After lasting a considerable time, the charge against David, James, and Thomas McCarroll was dismissed, and a conviction recorded against John and William McCarroll with costs £9 18s, and were each bound over in the sum of £20 to keep the peace for six months. Three other informations which had been laid in connection with the above assault, were, by leave, withdrawn.

The Otamatea County Council v. Jabez and Joeeph Fitness, This was a claim to recover the sum of £4813 a, being the cost of repairinn a bridne at Mareretu, whioh had been damaged by the scouring oat of the creek through the defendant* drawing timber. Mr. C J. Tunks appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. N. A. McLeod for the defendants. A number of witnesses were examined for both sides. After a very lengthy hearing judgment was given for the plaintiffs for the sum of £28 10b, and cost* £22 9e 6d. A number of civil cues were settlid out of Conrt.-{O»n Correspondent.]