LYTTELTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6125, 11 March 1898, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

Friday, March 11. (Before Mr G. Laurenson, J.P., and Mr W. Eadcliffe, J.P.) Larceny. —Charles Johanson alias Charles Fredrick Nelson ahd David Eobinson were charged with having, on March 7, stolen from • the schooner Clansman one silver watch, one gold chain, one gold ring, one coat, one pound fifteen shillings in cash, and other articles to the total value of £10 15s, the property of David Eobert Cooper, master of. the vessel; Sergeant Eutledge conducted; the prosecution. TDavid Eobert Cooper deposed.that on the night of March 7 he slept on board his vessel at No, 4 wharf; Between 2 and 3 a.in. he • was dis-i turbed by a noise on the stairs of the main cabin. At that time missed his watch.chain and the other articles named in the information. Identified the watch and braces produced as his property. Eemembered having seen Johanson about the ship on the day the things were stolen. George Colville, master of the ship Blenheim, deposed that Robinson was a member of his crew. The ship arrived in port on Feb. 23. Since that date Bobinson had received lis from witness] He got 6s on March 5. William Mason, barman at' the Canterbury Hotel, deposed that on the evening of March 7 Johanson wanted a drink and had no money. He returned early on Tuesday morning,in companywith another man, and called for two drinks, paying for these with a two-shilling piece. Joseph H. Flynn deposed that he was tallying on No. 4 wharf from 6 p.m. till midnight on March 7. Saw Johanson and a man resembling Eobinson on the wharf during the evening. William J. Brown, a pawnbroker, deposed that on March 8, shortly after noon, Johanson pledged the watch produced. Advanced 13s on it. Accused gave his name as "C. F. Nelson." Handed the watch to Detective Fitzgerald the same afternoon. Henry Vandyke, watchmaker, deposed that Johanson came to his shop on March 9 with a gold chain, which he wanted to sell. Purchased a portion of -he chain, which was not intact, for 10s 6d, and also bought the pendant produced from the accused. Sent the chain to a manufacturing jeweller to be melted, and gave the pendant to the detective. The chain was melted before inquiries were made for it. Detective Fitzgerald deposed to tlie recovery of the missing articles. Constable M'Cormack deposed to arresting Johanson, and finding 18s lOd in his possession. [Left sitting.]