SURETY FORFEITED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22475, 20 July 1936, Page 11

SURETY FORFEITED

ACCUSED DISAPPEARS "LEFT BY THE NIAGARA" QUESTIONS ASKED IN COURT Summoned to appear in the Police Court on Saturday, Mr. Charles Watts, a middle-aged man, was required, as a surety of a recognisance, to show cause why the recognisance entered into by him should not bo estreated to the Crown under section 296 of the Justices of the Peace Act, 1927. Senior-Detective Hall said the case arose out of the arrest of William Henry Kevin Toner as a rogue and vagabond when he was found in the Winter Gardens on tho night of July 4. Two days later he was before the Court, represented by counsel, and an application for a remand until July 13 was granted. Substantial bail was recommended, as accused had only been in New Zealand a short time, and was unknown. Rail was fixed in the sum of £25, with a similar surety. When Toner failed to reappear in Court on July 13 a warrant for his arrest was issued, but all subsequent inquiries as to his whereabouts had been without success. Three charges were to have been brought against him. Asked why ho stood surety for accused, Mr. Watts said it was because on the date he was charged with stealing a rug at Wliangarci accused was in witness' warehouse in Wellington. Mr. Hall advised that Toner had never been charged with an offenco at Wliangarci. The Magistrate, Mr. W. R. McKean: \ou did not put up a surety on a charge that was never made against accused. You have signed tho rogue and vagabond charge. Where has Toner gone ? Mr. Watts: 1 was told ho left the city on the Niagara on Tuesday night. ilr. McKean: Was that not one of the things you agreed with' tho police to prevent? When Mr. Watts failed to reply, the magistrate ordered that his surety of £25 should be estreated to the Crown.