MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17346, 10 May 1924, Page 2

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

CHRISTCHURCH. (Before Mr H. Y. Widdowsou, S-M * FALSE PRETENCE. James Myles was charged that on May 1 he did attempt to obtain from the New' Zealand Railway Department the sum of 10s 6d by means of a certain false pretence to wit. by falsely and fraudulently representing that ho had paid 10s 6d for a railway ticket from Christchurch to Timaru. "and de manding a refund of the amount. Senior-Sergeant Lewin said that on May 1 Mvles was given a requisition from the superintendent of the Papai*ua prisou for a second-class ticket from Christchurch to Timaru, ana called and purchased a ticket the same day. At / .4o that evening he called to the booking office and asked for a refund of 10s 6d, as he had missed the train. The clerk said that it was a prison order, but Myles denied this. He was then referred to the station master. John William Woodbury, stationmaster at Christchurch, said he told Myles he could not give a refund. Ho noticed the ticket was endorsed anu found that it had been issued on a Prisons Department order. Myles said he had paid 10s 6d for the ticket and witness made inquiries, subsequently putting the matter in the hands of the police. He could smell liquor on Myles. -Myles, in evidence, said his idea was not to get a refund, but to ask for a renewal of the ticket. To Senior-Sergeant Lewin: He had had a few drinks. The Magistrate said tho evidence; was quite clear and accused would be convicted. Senior-Sergeant Lewin said Myle* had a long list of convictions, including theft from a dwelling and breaking and entering. He had been in prison a week on remand. The Magistrate said that taking into account the fact that Myles had been in prison a week already he would bo sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment with hard labour. MAINTENANCE. An application by John Cook Bremner (Mr Brassmgton) for a variation of an order in respect, of the maintenance of two children, on the grounds of reduced earning capacity, was dismissed. Mr M. J. Burns opposed the application. JUVENILE’S THEFT. In the Juvenile Court a boy of fifteen admitted the theft of a watch valued at £2O. The Magistrate said that it appeared to be a case of sudden temptation. Ho adjourned the case for a year, during which time the boy was to be under the absolute control of the juvenile probation officer.