MAGISTERIAL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6089, 28 January 1898, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL

christchurch; i Friday, Jan. 28. j (Before Mr J. W. Cooper, J.P., and Mr E. Curry, J.P.) Alleged Larceny. — Henry Blakewell WR9 oliarged with the larceny of a watch, value £2 10s, from the shop of W. J. Grand, on Jan. 15. Grand stated that, on Saturday night, he was at the back of his shop, and on coming: back noticed some articles swinging about. Saw a man leaving the shop, whom he canghfc by tha arm. The man got away from him. He missed a watch, and seeing accused in the cafe, he accused him of fating it. Asked if he was pure the man in the box was the some whom he had caught near his shop, he said he waß not, but later stated that ho was sure of it in his own mind. Thomas Bond, aged nine years, stated that he saw* a man in Grand's shop about ten minutes to eight. The man rushed out, followed by Mr Grand, who caught him by the shoulder. The man said he had come for a watch and wrenched himself, away. He identified the accused as : the man. Witness did not see accused's face, but knew him by a cut. Agnes Anderson, aged seven, stated that she saw a man in the shop between 7 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 15. He had his hand in the box where the watches were-kept. Grand came out, and the man withdrew hisvhand with a watch in it. Grand seized him, but he got away. Witness saw the acewsed at the police station, and told the police she did not recognise him. Upon the suggestion of young Bond, however, she said that she did recognise bdm_ Emily Topmass stated she had been out walking with accused on the-even-ing upon which he was accneed of stealing the watch. She met him at 5.30 at Madras Street Bridge, .and they walked to Spreydon. They were'togsfch«r until 10.30 pjn. She knew nothingof the watch being stolen until accused was arrested. Several witnessesigave evidence as to accused's good character. The Bench drew attention to the conflicting 'evidence and dismissed the case. Damaging a Pillar-box. — Thomas' Saunders, was charged with having on Jan. 14 wilfully broken the glass in a pillar-box at Ashborne, value 10s. Aeensod admitted the offence. The Bench cau-* tioned him, and ordered him to p&ytrthe amount of the damage and costs. Breach op the Factories Act.— Pour men, painters, were charged with having' worked in the Cafe at their tradeonSatnrday, Jan. 16. One of them made a statement to the effect that they had been, paperhanging. , It was the only chance to do the work they could get,.and they were not aware that they were breaking the law. The Bench decided to dismiss the case, but warned the accused that they "were liable to a fine.