MAGISTRATE’S COURT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10086, 27 September 1918, Page 6

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

POLICE AND CIVIL BUSINESS'. Police cases were dealt with in tho Magistrate's Court yesterday by Mr F. V. Frazer, S.M. Charles Kemp and William Woods each admitted being drank for the fourth time within six. mouths, also with committing breaches of their prohibition orders. Kemp was sent to jail for seven days "to get the drink out of his system," and a fine of .£3, with the alternative of seven days, in jail, was imposed in the caso of Woods. On a charge under the War Regulations of supplying beer to a soldier for consumption off the licensed premises, Eobert Hinnis was fined 40s, in default to go to prison for seven days. A BREACH OF TRUST.

A serious view was taken by the Magistrate of the charge against Lewis Edward Nicholas, a returned soldier with a good record as a citizen and in tho ranks, tn July and August of this year he was in the employ of Garrett and Co., butchers, and collected money which he failed to account for. Tho total amount involved was <£2o 13s sd. The offences were admitted, but accused’s counsel, Mr H. F. O’Leary, mentioned some extenuating circumstances. There was no doubt the man had 'been indiscreet, but if admitted to probation he would make amends and pay back tho money. r It was pointed oy by the Magistrate that all judges half laid it down definitely that where there was a series of thefts probation could not bo entertained. Ho could hardly run counter to tho expressed opinions of the judges. In this caso it was a Breach of trust and not an ordinary theft. lie would sentence Nicholas 1o reformative treatment for twelve months, and recommend that ho hfc sent to a prison camp. CIVIL CASES.

Judgment for plaintiff was given in tho following undefended civil actions heard before Mr VV. G. Riddell, S.M,: —William J. Haines v. H. Mitchell .£1 2s, costs ss; Commercial Agency, Ltd. and I l '. Cooper v. Yet Wah 16s, costa 11s; samo v, S .G. Martin, £3, costa 12s; W. Wiggins, Ltd. v. G. H. Price £1 10s, costs ss; Davis and Clater v. G. Oapring £1 Ss, costs ss; Blundell Bros., Ltd. r. 11. A. Jones, 2s costs only; Mrs M. Tonks v. Alfred Smith £2 17s Bd, costs 10s; William J. Haines v. Mira Whiteman .£2 9s, costs 10s. tn a defended action judgment was given for Margaret Lockett for £l, with Cs costs, against Eric Holt. Francis William Garner was ordered to deliver up possession of a tenement to Charles Tandy by October 18th. Judgment was also given for plaintiff for i'l3 12s, rent due. and £3 6s costs.