A PECULIAR CASE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1679, 4 May 1904, Page 70

A PECULIAR CASE

DUNEDIN, April 27. A ease was heard to-day before Mr Justice Cooper and a jury, in which William Wilson claimed £2OO damages from ■Charles Georgeson, fish-dealer, for malicious prosecution. Wilson, who served in South Africa, and gained the Victoria Cross, was employed by Mr and Mrs Georgeson as shopman. The relations between the Georgesons had been very strained for some time, and Georgeson on one occasion discharged Wilson, but as she was incapable of looking after the business Mrs Georgeson sent for plaintiff to manage. He agreed on getting authority in writing. Tho stable was broken into and two horses and two carts taken away. Plaintiff, by Mrs Georgeson’s instructions, took one horse and cant from Port Chalmers, and next day was arrested for stealing them, at The instance of Mm Hamilton, who was said to havo bought tho. horses and carts from Georgeson. Tlie case was eventually dismissed. Later, on learning that the other cart was in a freezing chamber belonging to Mrs Georgeson, plaintiff and another employee carried off the body of the cart. He was again arrested, and charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime. Eventually tins information was dismissed. 'ln the second oaso the Stipendiary Magistrate had refused to issue a warrant, as he said it was a case for sum moms, but a Justice of the Peace signed tho warrant. For the defence it was contended that the. business was Georgeson’s. who was evidently jealous of the man, and wanted to get him away. The jury gave a verdict for £SO damages, with costs.