PORT CHALMERS NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21598, 19 March 1932, Page 3

PORT CHALMERS NEWS

MAGISTRATE’S COURT A sitting of the Port Chalmers Magistrate’s Court was held yesterday morning, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., presiding. Judgment by default was given in the following cases:—James P. Milnes v. Frederick Smyth, £1 13s 7d, for goods supplied, with coats (13s); James PMilnes v. William Paris, £7 17s 2d, for goods supplied, with costs (30s 6a). The adjourned hearing of a charge against John Watson of being unlawfully in possession of an automatic pistol was resumed. —Watson told the magistrate that he was doubtful whether he should plead guilty or otherwise, but he had decided to place the facts of the case before the court. A few months ago a returned soldier called on him and handed over the pistol in question, stating that he had taken possession of the firearm when his (Mr Watson’s) eon, the late Lieutenant N. Watson, was killed on the battlefield during the Great War. ihe pistol had been in the possesion of the ex-soldier for 14 years. Mr Watson did not inquire for the name of the soldier. In all good faith, and in order to comply with the law, he afterwards informed the police of the fact that the pistol had come into his hands. He was informed by the police that the matter would have to be reported. Mr Watson said he resented the action which had followed. It was only when a constable came to his premises to examine the firearm that he discovered it was an automatic Colt revolver.—The magistrate, after hearing the evidence, pointed out to the defendant that it was not a case of non-registration. Possession of such a weapon was prohibited, and it could be retained only in such a case by the consent of the Minister. Further hearing of the case would be adjourned for a month in order that an application could be made to the Minister in the meantime.