CITY POLICE COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14800, 6 April 1910, Page 7

CITY POLICE COURT

Tdesday, Apml 5. ifßeforo Mr 11. Y. Widdowson, S.M.) Drunkenness.—A first offender was lined 10s, or 48 hours' imprisonment. Adjourned <for Medical Examination.— Henry Barrett, a feebla old man, was charged with having on (lie previous night assaulted Constablo Hodgson—The avidenco given by tho constable was to the elfect that ho was walking along Princes street on Monday ovening in plain clothes, when'accused struck him on tho head, knocking his hat off. Tlw man hold up his stick as if to striko again. When asked tho reason of his action, ho replied that witness had taken the wrong side of tho street and had brushed against him. He had 60entho old man striko peoplo in the street before—Tho Magistrate said ho was acquainted with tho accused in tho Old-ngo Pension Court He was not responsible for his actions. Tho question Was whether something could be dono to keep him off the street.—Tho Sub-inspector said the accused had bcon in Seaolift at one- time. This was not tho' first time ho had struck people.—Mr M'Gill, builder, said the old man was quite harmless except when interfered with. Ho had been in tho Benevolent Institution, and now resided in a one-roomed cottago belonging to witness in Cumberland street. —Tho Magistrate said he would adjourn the case until the (following day to havo tho man medically examined.

Charge of Vagrancy.—George Smith, who has previously been before tho court charged with vagrancy, again appeared—lt was explained that when tho accused was before the court on the last occasion, ho had expressed a desire to return to Tasmania, and tho caso was placed in the hands of Mr dimming, who, however, yesterday asked for a further adjournment. Tho accused had been provided with board and lodging, but persisted in sleeping out. at night and wandoriiis} about tho strcots.—Tho Magistrate said there must be something peculiar about the Gumming said ho was positive of it. —-Tho caso was adjourned for a week.

Transferring a Railway Tickot.—George Cogon was charged with having transferred a railway ticket to nnothor person, such \ act being contrary to the railway regulations—Mr Scun appeared for defendant, who pleaded "Not guilty."—The case for the prosecution was that n ictiirn ticket was issued to the defendant at Hyde, and that it was transferred by him at Dunedin lc a young lady making the return journey the following day.—Mr Soiirr stated that the defendant, who was a visitor from Australia, asked tor a single ticket, but the guard informed him that a return ticket would cost no more, awing to the excursion rates, and that ho could give away the balance of the ticket.—After hearing the evidence of the guard, who said he did not remember having any such conversation with defendant, the Magistrate said all railway tickets showed that thoy woro not transferable, so that by transferring this ticket tho defendant had committed an offence. Ho did not believe for one moment that the guard had told the defendant lie could give tho other half of the ticket away, and iurther, no guard hud power to alter the terms of a contract. Defendant would be fined 40s and cost* (14s 9d), in default 14 days' imprisonment.