SERIOUS CHARGES DISMISSED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 10

SERIOUS CHARGES DISMISSED.

RAILWAY CARETAKER ACCUSED..

(From Otjr Own Correspondent.)

INVERCARGILL, August 13. At the Police Court, Lumsden, on" Wednesday, T. B. Dyer, storekeeper, Mossburn, and A. Paterson, his assistant,' were charged before Mr George Cruickshank, S.M., with, stealing from Moss- ' burn Railway Station, of which ' he is^ caretaker," 12 sheepskins belonging to WT^" J. Jenkins, and valued at 26a: -"- Detective Cameron conducted the case for the Police Department, and Mr Haggitt appeared for the accused. . --*

The evidence for the prosecution was that Jenkins delivered- sheepskins at the Mossburn Railway Station on June 18 t and some of these were sold by Dyer to Messrs Kingsland Bros, and AndeT£onj Invercargill, where Mr Jenkins identified them. Mr Jenkins afid the police admitted that they knew nothing against! the character of accused.

Constable Barratt said that for year® past complaint has been made from time to time of goods being mkeed from tho Mossburn Railway Station. Dyer, in evidence, gave it as his explanation of the matter" that his assistant (Paterson) had inadvertently mixed up Jenkins's skins with his (Dyer's), several lots having been carelessly left about.. Dyer began the work of packing, but was called away, and Paterson finished itHe had all along been willing to pay foi* the skins.

His Worship regarded the charge as a very ©erious one, especially because of tbd fact that Dyer was in charge- of the igoodsshed. That the skins had been converted was clear, but felonious intent had not< been proved. In view of the good characters borne by both accused and th© straightforward way in which their, evidence had been given, he would dismiss the case.

Mr William J. Samson has arrived in. Wellington from Nagasaki en a. '•begging * expedition. He explains that he want* ' money to support a home for visiting ses£men of all nationalities, providing, lodgf •* ings, meals, reading, end writing rooms, . 6oda fountain, gymnasium, library, and - everything 1 for the comfort and accommoda- : tion of visitors.