CITY POLICE COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10570, 17 January 1896, Page 4

CITY POLICE COURT.

Thursday, January 16. (Before Mr E. H. Carew. S.M.)

The Shop AcT.-John Fleming was charged with contravening the Shop Act by employing two of his men after 1 o'clock on Wednesday, January B.—Mr J. F. M. Fraser appearpd for luspector Maxwell 1o prosecute, and Mr C. M. Mouat for the defendant, who pleaded Dot guilty.—The first case was that defendant kept James Cable at work after 1 o'clock.—The inspector stated that he called at defendant's place of business about balf-past 4on Wednesday afternoon and he saw Cable at work arranging accounts.—For the defence, Mr Fleming stated that owing to the number of holidays the men were somewhat behind with their work and stayed to make up deliveries for the following day. The door of tbe shop, however, was closed.— James Cable in his evidence said that he was doing nothing when the inspector called on the date, mentioned. He was at the shop of his own accord. Mr Fleming often told him not to stop after 1 o'clock. On the day in question he did not tell him either to go or to stay. He admitted tbat he had addressed a number of envelopes that afternoon.—John Keay, bookkeeper for dt-fendaut, admitted tbat he was working on the afternoon in question making up a few accounts. Mr Fleming did not instruct him to stay that afternoon, hut he knew, he was working at the books. AVitness never made up the books at night time.—Mr Mouat admitted tbat there was no defence, but he simply addu-ed the evidence in order that his AVoivhip might be guided iv fixing the fine. The defendant was then chained and pleaded guilty to keeping John Keay at work on the afternoon of January B.—Mr Fraser said that Mr Fleming had previously been convicted of a similar offence in May of last year—His A\ rorship said that the only excuse made by Mr Fleming was that owing to the number of holidays thework got behind. Itwas really no excuse ; the act was in fores, and must be carried out. A fine of 10s and costs in each case would be inflicted. James Connor was charged with contravening the act by failing to give a half-holiday to one of his employees named Gertrude Butchart during the week ending December 14. He was further charged with keeping her at work for a longer period that 9_ hours on one day, and for keeping her at work for a loneer period than 52 hours in one week.—Mr Hanlon appeared for defendant, who pleaded guilty in each instance —Mr Eraser said that the defendant had been warned by the inspector on December 17. but from his own personal observations Mr Maxwell said that there was no change up to January 1, consequently proceedings were taken against him.—Mr Hanlon said that Mr Connor kept a restaurant in Moray place and had a large number of girls employed as waitresses. A part of his premises had been utilised as a pie and coffee department, and he exhibited in a window a quantity of confectionery, lemonade, &c. for sale, thus creating the place into a shop. He took one of the waitresses into this department to look after the sales, and in doing this Mr Oonnor was unaware that he came within the act. However, since the beginning of the year he gave the girl regularly a half - holiday.— Mr Fraser said he would only ask professional expenses in nne case. —Defendant was therefore fined 53 aud costs in each case, professional expenses being allowed only in the first. CO. Croft, grocer, South Dunedin, pleaded guilty to keeping his employee, AVm. Murdoch, in the ordinary cr,uree of his business longer than half an hour after the prescribed time of closing on AVednesday, January 8, and was fined 5s and costs.

Maintenance.—Henry Harding applied to have arrears due on an order for the maintenance of children in the Auckland Industrial School remitted.—After evidence the arrears, amounting to £112s 6d, were remitted accordingly.

Affiliation.—Chas. Samson, jun., was charged with failing to support the illegitimate child of Jessie Bcattie, of which it was alleged he was the father.—Mr 0. M. Mount appeared for the complainant, and Mr Thornton for defendant, who pleaded not guilty.—ln this previously heard case hia Worship gave judgment. He adjudged defendant to be the putative father of the cbild, and ordered him to pay 6s a week for its maintenance, to pay .C 55s expenses incidental to the birth, and professional costs (£ll3).—Mr Thornton said he intended to make application to the court to fix an amount for compromise.