CITY POLICE COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18556, 17 May 1922, Page 9

CITY POLICE COURT

Tuesday, May 16. (Before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.) ■ .Two Years’ Probation.—Robert Melville Wright, a youth, was charged that, on or about March 8, he stole a book, valued at 10s-6d, the property of Charles Weddell, of the Railway • Workshops Boardinghouse.— The Sub-inspector stated that the accused stayed at the boardinghouse some little time ago, and when he left the book was missing. The accused had done no work for a month, and for the last two nights he had slept out at Maori HilL He had never been before the court previously.—The Magistrate said ho would give, the youth a chance. He would be admitted to probation for a term of two years. % • A Charge of Theft.—Alexander Livingstone was charged that, on or about April 15, ho did break and enter the shop of Abraham Israel in the Arcade and steal rings and brooches valued at £ls 2s ’ 6d. —The Subinspector asked for a remand for a week in order to give the police an opportunity to make inquiries. This was granted accordingly. A Narrow Escape.—David Niopl, who, had been proceeded against by his wife for maintenance, end whose case had been adjourned for the production of his bank book, again appeared.—The Magistrate, on examining the book, stated that the defendant had deliberately misled the court. Despite the fact that he had said he had no money, he had paid up the arrears since Saturday. Was there any reason why he should not be sent to gaol?—The Defendant said he had not deliberately misled the court. He had needed the money standing to his credit to start a business. He apologised to the court. —The Magistrate: Well, I will overlook it this time, but these must be kept up. You will also" be entitled to see your children at a time that is convenient to your wife. A Seaman in Trouble.—Thomas Churchill, a seaman on the Canadian Miller, was charged with disobedience of a lawful command of the captain of the vessel. Mr IL E. Barrowclough appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.—Captain Sears stated that defendant came to him this morning and asked to .be paid off. He said he would do no more work, and witness replied that defendant could have the full benefit of the law. Later defendant definitely refused to turn to.—Evidence was also given by the chief engineer and other engineers.— Mr Barrowclougji contended that the prosecution had not made out a case of dis-' obedience of a lawful command. The defendant had just been guilty of a little sullenneSs in the matter.. He had had some trouble on the ship, and wished to get out of it. That was the explanation of the whole story.—His Worship decided that the case showed disobedience of a lawful command to turn to, and imposed a fine of 20s, with costs (7s), in default 48 hours’ imprisonment. Mathieson said the captain would not pay the defendant off when he asked because, being contrary to the agreement, it would have a detrimental effect on the discipline of the men on the ship.