LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10697, 10 March 1898, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

SUPREME COURT.-Crimix.il Sittkcs. [Before His lienor Mr Justice. Conolly,] A WEAKNESS for waipiro. A YOtrxG native named Ngohe Ngohe pleaded not guilty yesterday to an indictment charging him with having, on December 9, 1897,eirtered the premises of George Maunder, licensee of the Star Hotel. Kihikihi. and stolen 22 bottles of liquor. Mr. 'Pole prosecuted, The prisoner wis undefended. Mr. Geo. Brown acted as interpreter. In opening the facts to the jury, Mr. Tole said the accused, on the morning of the Bth, was seen riding into Kihikihi with a couple of sacks rolled up in front of his saddle. He put Up at Maunders Hotel. Mr. Maunders store, which was out-side, but- attached to. the hotel, was securely locked that night. Next morning very early prisoner was seen .riding away from the hotel. On goiug into the store. Mr. Maunder found that a quantity of liquor had been taken away. He made search, and found in a neighbour's paddock some empty cases, which lie recognised as his property. Later on in the day prisoner was seen going along the road, but this time his two sacks were full. He was asked for a drink by a witness who suspected he had liquor, but he passed on. Later he gave a billiard-marker» flask of brandy, and asked for two kerosene boxes to pack 22 bottles in. He got the cases, addressed one to a native at To Kuiti, aud had it taken to the railway station, and sent to To Kuiti. He also went to Te Kuiti himself, and removed the ease, which contained Maunder's liquor. A search in his whare revealed a kit. which was claimed by Mr. Maunder. Prisoner handed one of the witnesses a key which unlocked the door of Maunder's store. In support of these statements, Mr. Tole called a tramberW witnesses, including Constable Carroll, who arrested the accused. The prisoner went into the box and said he purchased the liquor from Mr. Maunder. He stated the quantities he bought, and the prices paid. Prisoner did not call any evidence. After a prolonged deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict of guilty, but n commended the prisoner to mercy on the ground that his evidence had some weight. His Honor entirely agreed with the verdict- of the jury, though he was somewhat at a loss to know why they recommended the prisoner to mercy on the ground that his evidence was of some weight. If they believed that evidence they ought to have acquitted him. It did appear to His Honor that had they carefully weighed all the evidence they could rot have believed the prisoner. He should, however, give weight to the jury's rider, although he did not agree with it, and would not pass so heavy a sentence as he otherwise should have done. Prisoner would be sentenced to 12 mouths' imprisonment with, hard labour.

ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT. Raymond Miller, a lad about 14, pleaded not guilty when charged with having, on January 14 last, at Mauku, indecently assaulted one Mary Ellen Besc, a female under the age of 16. Mr. Tole prosecuted, and the bov was defended by Mr. McArthur. The girl alleged to have been tampered with was aged between six and seven. After the hearing of the evidence, the jury found prisoner not guilty, and he was discharged. POLICE COURT NEWS. DRUNKENNESS. Two men. who had not been before the Court for some time, were brought before Mr. T. Hutchison, S.M., yesterday, for drunkenness, and discharged. Robert Casey, for a simitar offence, was convicted, and fined ss, with the alternative of 24 hours' imprisonment, and for obscene language was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. BREACH OE BY-LAWS. For riding a bicycle ab night without lights, George Jackson was fined 5s and costs. ALLEGED ASSAULT. A caso against Michael Corbett, who was charged with assaulting Benjamin Arch, was heard before Mr. Brabant. Mr. Ngata appeared for the informant, and Mr. Lmidon for the accused. After a- mass of conflicting evidence had been heard, the case was dismissed.