THE COURTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18545, 16 April 1930, Page 2

THE COURTS

COMEDIAN'S CLAIM. By Telegraph—Pre*a Asaociarlon. WELLINGTON, April 15. Ernest Lotinga proceeded against Williamson’s, Ltd., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, claiming £75 allegedly owing, but the case came to a sudden end when Mr McNeil, S.M.. decided that he had no jurisdiction. The comedian's claim was that Williamsons agreed to pay him a share of profits, with a guarantee of not less than £2O a week, to be paid each week, and for the week ending March 28th he was paid only £125, the claim being for the balance. Mr McNeil’s decision was on the ground that J. C. Williamson, Ltd., were insufficiently described on the plaint as carrying on business in Wellington and elsewhere in New Zealand as theatrical managers. LICENSEES’ LIABILITY. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 15. The fact that an employee exceeds his authority, and makes a sale contrary to his instructions, does not protect the licensee of a hotel, according to Mr Justice Ostler’s decision today. His Honour upheld the conviction of Albert George Nevill, for selling liquor during closed hours. The sale was made at 7.55 in the morning by an employee, not a barman, who was cleaning the bar. This man had authority to sell liquor to boarders only. The licensee's appeal was dismissed with costs. THEFT AND FORGERY. By Telegraph—Press Association. GISBORNE, April 15. Pleading guilty at the Police Court this morning to the theft of a diamond ring, valued at £SO, and forging the name of another man to a promissory note for £l. Gordon Williams (22), was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was allowed. BANK CLERK’S THEFT. By Telegraph -Press Association. DUNEDIN. April 15. At the Supreme Court, John Albert Sims (19). was sentenced to three years' Borstal detention on charges of theft as a bank clerk at Alexandra. Over £6OO was involved. A statement showed that accused was given a small motor car by his people, but subsequently he bought a big car at £430. Mr Justice Kennedy remarked that evidently a streak of vanity had something to do with his predicament. CALLOUS FRAUD. John James Arthur, married, with 11 children, got three years’ hard labour on charges of false pretences, involving £2OOO which he obtained from an old fellow employee, allegedly to invest on mortgages. The Judge said he found it difficult to imagine a more callous fraud than this, practised on an old man for a sum doubtless representing his life’s savings. SERIOUS CHARGE. ly Telegraph—Pres# Asaoniatlon. TAUMARUNUI, April 15. Selwyn Lloyd Bedell appeared in the Police Court at Ohura to-day on a charge that he committed rape. Accused was remanded to appear at Ohura on April 23rd, bail being allowed.