TWO CURIOUS CASES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 933, 17 January 1890, Page 10

TWO CURIOUS CASES.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, January 10. An unusual case was decided at the Police Court this morning, a young man named William Houghton was charged with having committed a breach of the Defence Act by neglecting to deliver up in good order to Mr H. A. H. Hitchens, an officer commanding the Waitemata Naval Volunteers, certain arms, clothes and other appointments at the disbandment of that corps. Mr Cooper, for the informant, said they wished the articles to be accouuted for. The Bench pointed out that in such a case as this the Act imposed no penalty. In the event of a conviction, imprisonment must follow. The Bench decided that the arms had been returned to the Arms Office, but there was some doubt as to whether they should not have been sent to the officer commanding the corps. They, however, gave the accused the benefit of that doubt, and dismissed the case without costs. A curious point has arisen in regard to the contract for the removal of dust, refuse, etc., in thi3 city. Mr Wilson, who has the contract from the City Council, has complained to that body that a rival contractor removes the dust free of cost. Owing, however, to a special clause in the L6an Act the Council canuot increase the taxation beyond the limit now reached excepting for charitable purposes, therefore the citizens cannot be taxed extra for the removal of dust, and whilst the Council cannot prevent others from collecting the city refuse the contractor is held liable for the work under a bond of £IOO.