MISTAKEN IDENTITY?

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 95, 5 December 1911, Page 5

MISTAKEN IDENTITY?

S.M. DOES NOT THINK SO. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning, John Smith was charged with having been drunk at Whangamomoua on November 22nd. Ho pleaded net guilty and denied that ho was not the person wanted, stating that his name was William Chance.

The S.M.: Did I not deal with you in Hawera once. Accused: 1 have never been in Hawera except passing through. The S.M.: Did you not have a bad leg, and did 1 not send you to New Plymouth for medical treatment? Accused: No.

The S.M. : t must accept the statement, but you are very like the other man.

Constable Bleasel: He is very like, but 1 know Chance very well.

Accused (to Constable Bleasel): Has Chance a mark on bis eye, and has he a low shoulder? Constable Bleasel: I could not say that.

Accused: My correct name is Smithurst, but people generally call mo 11 all-Jones. That gentleman (indicating Constable Liston) called me Hall-Jones.

The S.M.: You are 1 not- thoroughly sober now. How many drinks did you have this morning? Accused: Three. Accused then gave evidence on his own behalf. The S.M.: Were you in Whangamomona on November 22nd? Accused: I do not remember the date. Was that the pay day ?

The S.M.: Yes. Accused: Oh, yes, I was in Whangamomona. ~ •. v,, The S.M.': The constable says you were,.drunk and were leaning up against a fence. Accused; Well, I say that the constable is a pervertor of the truth, i nope there is no offence in that. The S.M.: Oh, no. Sergeant McNeely; Wlxat is round the section where you were? Accused: There is no fence. Sergeant McNeely: Is there not a post and rail fence? Accused: Oh yes.

The S.M.: I think it is trifling with the Court to say that a post and rail fence is not a fence.

A fine of ss, in default, 48 hours’ imprisonment, was imposed. Smith was then charged with exposing his person at the same time. Constable Liston gave formal evidence.

The S.M. : Do you desire to ask this witness any questions? Accused:' No, I knqw what kind of a man he is, and do not wish to question him.

A sentence of fourteen days’ hard labour was imposed.