Opunake S.M. Court.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 4, 13 July 1894, Page 2

Opunake S.M. Court.

Thursday, July 12fch, 1894. (Before Major Take, S.M.) Sheep Inspector v. J. M. Hickey.— Failing to send in sheep return. Fined 20s and costs. Police v. E. Wastney.—Defendant was charged with the larceny of half a coil of wire and a piece of meat from the Maori pah on the Main South Readmit Taungatara. Mr T. Scott-Smith appeared for defendant. From the evidence adduced it appeared that there was about half a coil of wire which had been stripped off a fence lying rolled up beside a Maori whare and a piece of meat left there by Mr Rogers for a survey party working up the river. The defendant was on his way to Otakeho from Opuuuke, and alleged that he called at the pah for the purpose of purchasing potatoes. There were no Maoris there, and when leaving he took up the meat and the wire for the purpose of examining them and then threw them away after carrying them about five chains, on being hailed by the Maoris, who were working some little distance away. Accused then got into his trap and drove away. The Maori caught a horse and gave chase, coming up with defendant at Oeo and demanded £3 for compensation. Defendant paid £1 to stay any further proceedings. The Magistrate held that it was very improbable the defendant would take up the articles and carry them a distance of five chains merely for the purpose of looking at them, and must therefore come to the conclusion that had it not been for the Maoris coming on the scene he would have appropriated the articles. Fined £5, or in default 14 days. Coffey v. Gorkin.—Assault. MrT. Scott-Smith for plaintiff. Coffey, who is ranger for the Parihaka Road Board, impounded a cow, belonging to defendant, at Opunake. When defendant came to release the cow he met plaintiff, and after the exchange of a few civilities struck plaintiff. Defendant stated he was hit first and struck Coffey in self defence. The Magistrate considered that defendant had received a certain amount of provocation, and therefore would only impose a fine of ss, with costs, which amounted to 14s, and solicitor's fee, £1 Is. Opunake Town Board v. A. Clarke. —Judgment summons, £2 10 s. Order made for payment of 5s per month.