Opunake Police Court.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 25, 25 September 1894, Page 2

Opunake Police Court.

Saturday, 22nd September.

(Before Major Tuke, S.M.)

William Yandle was charged by the Police with the larceny of a pair of trousers, value 255, on or about the 21st June last, being the property of A. Seekamp. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Constable Twoomey said the facts were as follows ;—About the 21st June last Mr Seekamp bad the trousers in question washed and put them on the line to dry. The prisoner was seen at a late hour that night tha premises, and next morning the trousers were gone. Mr Seekamp reported the matter to the police at the time, and although the prisoner was watched nothing was seen of the trousers. He saw the prisoner in town to-day wearing the trousers, and arrested him. *

After hearing the evidence of Mr Seekamp, the Bench asked the accused what he had to say. The prisoner said that he bought the trousers from a Maori on the Eltham Road. He might have seen the man before, but had never seen him since ; he did not know the man. fie could not call any witnesses.

The Magistrate said that was a very old yarn, and he could not believe it. In. answer to the Bench, Constable Twoomey said there was nothing previously against the prisoner. Major Tuke said he never liked sending a young man to gaol for the first ofience when he could help it. He would fine him £2 and costs, and order him to pay Mr Seekamp 255, the value of the stolen trousers ; in default, 21 days in gaol. The amount was paid.