PORT CHALMERS POLICE COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9978, 21 February 1894, Page 4

PORT CHALMERS POLICE COURT.

Tuesday, February 20. .(Before Messrs J. Elmer and A. Thomson, J.P's.) Sunday Duiving. — John Simmonson was charged with driving a waggon and team of horses on the Main road, Blueskin, on the ISth inst.—Mr Fraser appeared for the defendant, and pleaded not guilty.—Constable Hastings stated that about 6.30 p.m. on Sunday last defendant drove a team of 10 horses and waggon loaded with wool through the township at Blueskin, Witness had previously cautioned defendant about driving on Sundays, and also camping in the township near the hotel and remaining there for two or three days.—Mr Eraser contended that Eection 16 of the act under which the information was laid referred to trades or callings, and he did not think the act was ever intended tn apply to carriers. Live stock could be driven through the township, therefore defendant could have driven his team along the road for water, and no more harm could lie done by having a waggon attached to them. It was a work of necessity for the defendant to push on to Dunedin with his load. — Defendant stated that when he left Ida Valley he was under an agreement to deliver the load of wool in Dunedin in time for the wool sale, but owing to bad weather he was detained on the road, and waß short of feed for the horses, as he was not able to get any at Waikouaiti, which place he left on Sunday morning. It was dangerous to camp at Waitati, and he could only get a bag of chaff at Evansdale; therefore it was necessary for him to push on to the Upper Junction, where there was plenty of grass and camping ground.—Their Worships were of an opinion that an offence had been committed, but thought a small penalty of ss, with costs, would meet the case.