ALLEGED THEFT FROM A FIREMAN.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12765, 11 April 1910, Page 2

ALLEGED THEFT FROM A FIREMAN.

"A FREE SPENDER."

ACCUSED BEFORE THE COURT

At the Magistrate's Court, on Saturday morning, before Mr. J. S. Evans, S.M., tho charge preferred against a man named Charles W. Hobday of theft from a fellow passenger named John Kent during the v.oyage of the Mapourika from Wellington to Nelson on Tuesday last of £17, was called again. Sergeant Dougan applied for a further remand until Wednesday next, as the Mapourika was detained on the Coast by stress of weather, and consequently two witnesses were unable to attend. There had; he said, been a fresh development in the case, the accused having stated that the money found on him belonged to Kent, who had given it to hini to mind, Kent, however, denied this. Asked if he had any objection to the application being granted accused said that it would be hard on him to bo remanded. He didn't like being kept in prison, as he had a clear case. Accused apologised to his Worship for his conduct "in Court on Wednesday last. Ho said it was not he who was talking, it was "the drink." Accused also said he desired to make a statement.

The Magistrate pointed out that it was for the. prosecution to make out a ease against accused, and if a. case was made out accused would be called upon for his defence. In regard to the witnesses on the Mapourika, the Magistrate said he did not see why they should not be kept here. It was not fair to hold accused to be kept with the charge hanging over him if witnesses would be available on Monday morning. He thought the evidence of the witnesses present should be taken. Accused, who elected to be dealt with summarily, pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Dougan havin goutlined the case called John Kent, a fireman discharged from the steamer Komata, at Wellington, on Saturday week. H& was paid paid £9, one month's pay on that day, and on Monday he received 12s, two days' pay. On tlie same day he received £6 ss, which he had had lent to some mates, and a greaser gave him £5 which was owing to him. He also won £3 10s playing cards. Ho left Wellington by the Mapourika on Tuesday, and after paying nis passage he had on him about £19 in gold and a few shillings. He met the accused ou board the steamer that night. He had several drink, in the forecabin with accused, and a man named Scott. He might liave spent about two pounds. He was not sober, but he knew everything he was doing." The accused put him to bed, but before do so he (witness) remembered counting his money £17 in gold, and 7s in silver. Accused was the last man with him. The steward took him aside from his companions, and told him that he had better let him take care of the money, as he might lose it. Next morning when he was getting up to breakfast he missed his money, with the exception of half a sovereign and some silver. He did not give the money to accused. By accused : H© did not drag any one down to the steerage to have a drink. He offered to pay accused's passage three or four times during the evening. Accused mentioned at the table that he had no passage money —that was why he did so. It was true that accused said that when he got to Westport he would try and get witness a job in the mine. He said that accused was not to go short of money that he would stand by him for his board. Witness admitted that lie pulled out his money several times. His money was not lying on tho bed, it was in his trousers' pocket; . He was iv his bunk with his trousers on.

By Sergeant Dougan : When he knew that accused was a _towaway he said he would pay his fare. He d#l not give accused his money. to hold. When he heard that accused was arrested as a stowaway he put his hand in his pocket and said "Pay his fare," and found his money gone. He complained of his loss to the police and the steerage steward. James Scott, a miner, stated that he met accused and Kent on the Mapourika. They were drinking together. Kent did the shouting. He would not let anyone else pay. He did riot see accused spend any money. Kent showed them £17 in gold and some silver just before they went to bed that night. Kent "shouted" twice after he showed the money. He went to bed about 11.30 p.m., leaving accused and Kent together. About 11 o'clock accused told him that he was- not altogether "stoney," that he had a sovereign and a half crown, to see him to Westport. He knew that accused was a srtowaway. He heard Kent offer to pay accused's passage. He never heard Kent as k accused to take care of his money, . By accused : Accused was present when Kent's -money' was counted. Three bottles of beer were purchased before the bar closed. He did not have any, as ho was feeling too ill. By the Magistrate : Kent was rolling about, but he appeared to know what he was doing. Kent did not want any one to look after his monoy. After Kent counted ths money he put it back in his pocket.

The Court then adjourned until nine o'clock this morning.