Larceny.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3540, 27 January 1900, Page 4

Larceny.

At Timaru on Thursday before Messrs A. Mills and F. Smith, J.P.'s, Max Barak was charged with the theft of a watch, value £±, the property of Frederick Upton ; also with the theft of a watch, value £5, the property of Samuel Reynolds; also with the theft of a watch, value £l, the property cf James McDougal. All the thefts were committed at St. Andrews. The charges wero described in the opening remarks of Mr J. White, who appeared to prosecute. The accused went to St. Andrews Hotel, and represented that he was a travelling jeweller and watchmaker. He circulated handbills describing his work, and had one put up in the hotel. Three watches were entrusted to him on the understanding that he was a watch-maker. Accused examined the watches and said that he could do them immediately. The cost of repairing Upton's watch was to be 12s Cd, and Upton was to see him about the money in the evening. Accused went to Mr Keddio, Upton's employer and asked him for the money, but was refused. Accused then cleared out from St Andrews, takiug the watch with him, and it was found that he sold it at Temuka for 325. Accused went onto Ashburton, and was arrested between Ashburton and Eakaia. He had only a single railway ticket, and was travelling north, so their worships would see that he had not intended to return. The other.two watches were found on him, taken to pieces. S. B. Wightman, chemist, Temuka, gave evidence that on the loth he bought the watch in question for 325. Accused was to have redeemed it, but did not do so. Detective Fitzgerald gave evidence that he arrested accused on the ISfcli inst on the express train going north. Accused said lie was going to Christchurch to get the material for the watches as there was none to be had at Timaru. He produced two watches in parts and said that he had the other amongst his effects. Witness had previously received the watch produced, from the last witness. The accused gave evidence on his own behalf. He said he was a watchmaker and jeweller. Lest year he had a shop at Winton, and latterly used to travel a good deal about the colony. He had clone a good deal of work at St. Andrews There were'two watches amongst the three he received there that he could not finish for want of material. He received Upton's watch and repaired it. He called three or four times at Mr Keddie's store to collect his money and return the watch. Samuel Reynolds, and A. Philips also gave evidence iu the second case, and the accused reserved his defence. The third charge was withdrawn. Accused was committed for trial at the Supreme Court, at Timaru, on the two charges. j