MISCELLANEOUS DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 8

MISCELLANEOUS DAY.

POLICE COURT CASES.

MORE COMEDY THAN CRIME.

DOG WHO HIKED PEANUTS

More comedy than crime was staged at the Police Court this morning. In fact, the only "criminal" cases listed were three charges of drunkenness. It was a morning of sorts, for Friday is known as "miscellaneous day," the day on which summons cases are dealt with. CHASED TO WORK. After Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., had made himself comfortable in his swivel chair the first of those who had been merely "naughty" and not bad was dealt with He was William J. Burton, and he was charged with assault. "Not exactly guilty," was the way he pleaded. "It was like this," he went on. "The man I'm charged with assaulting was building a house for me, and he made a rotten job of it. He had to be chased before he would work, and eventually I had to finish the house myself." "What about the assault part of it? Never mind the house," said the magistrate. Sub-Inspector McCarthy said that Burton had pulled the other mail's nose in a railway carriage. "It was all done on the impulse of the moment," said Burton. "You must not go on like that in a railway carriage," said Mr. Hunt, in fining Burton £1 and costs for disorderly behaviour. On the assault charge he was convicted and ordered to pay costs. "A GOOD WOMAN, BUT—" A woman was involved in the next case. She admitted procuring liquor while prohibited. Her counsel, Mr. J. J. Sullivan, said that accuscd drank the liquor in her own home. "Here, can I say a word or two?" said a man, who announced himself as the husband of the woman. "The husband is a little vindictive," said Mr. Sullivan. The Husband: She is a good woman when she is off the booze. Can she be placed on probation, sir? "I cannot place her on probation," Mr. Hunt told the man, "but if she takes liquor any more she will go to Pakatoa Island."

The wife was ordered to pay costs,

A RADIO MATTER

Having had an assault case, that of a bad dog, and a woman who took liquor when prohibited, it was time for a change, so the clerk called the name of S. H. Josling, on charges of having an unregistered radio set and. one with an unduly energising aerial. The radio inspector said that since the case had been adjourned defendant had had his set attended to, and it now complied with the regulations. It was a set with a prohibited circuit.

"One of these howlers," said Mr. Hunt

"It was," said the inspector. "'I wish you could catch a few more of them," said the magistrate. He lined defendant 10/ on one charge. DOG WHO LIKED PEANUTS. All the morning Mr. J. P. Pullcn, a well-known solicitor, had been sitting waiting for something to happen. His dog Bob, a friendly-looking animal, was alongside him.

"Hello, Mr. Pullen, what crime have you been up to," said Mr. Hunt when the solicitor's name was called bv the clerk.

"His dog bit a man," said SubInspector McCarthy.

'T don't believe it," replied Mr. Pul len. (Laughter.)

On behalf of his dog, Mr. Pullen pleaded not guilty to the charge of owning a dangerous dog. Alexander Slienton, a soft goods traveller, said that on August 9 he was walking along a street in Bayswater and when passing Mr. Pullen's gate, which was open, the dog rushed out and bit him on the leg. As proof of the damage done, witness held up a torn pair of trousers.

"I hope they fit you, Mr. Pullen," said Mr. Hunt with a smile.

Mr. Pullen: Ive seen barbed wire fences and blackberries make holes in trousers before to-day. (Laughter.) Witness added that'after the dog had torn his trousers he went to Mr. Pullen's house and obtained a needle and thread to draw the hole in his trousers together. Two ladies spoke to him and said that it was a shame that they were damaged.

Mr. Pullen (to witness): You claim £3 10/ for a new pair of trousers?— Yes.

'"Why, I can get a whole suit for £4." said Mr. Pullen.

"What," said the magistrate, "a suit for £4? Where?"

"I can get a good suit of 'hand-me-downs for that, sir," said defendant. Mr. Pullen said that he had had the dog for five years and had never known a quieter, tamer or better tempered animal.

Mr. Bryce Hart, who happened to be in court, was then called by Mr. Pullen. "I have known this dog since it was a puppy,' said Mr. Hart, "and I cannot imagine it biting anyone. In fact, the dog is often on the ferry boats and Mr. Pullen and passengers are in the habit of feeding it with peanuts." (Laughter.)

I m afraid you will have to pay for tlie damage done, Mr. Pullen." said Mr Hunt.

-Oh, I don't think it fair or just, there is no proof that the man was bitten by jmy dog. There are no trousers made worth £3 10/, was defendant's retort. Mr. Hunt: Well, you can have the trousers yourself and give the man a new pair. Mr. Pullen then said that he would get them repaired. The magistrate got over the difficulty by asking the traveller if he would be satisfied if he received £2. He said that he would. You can pet theni patched up for 10/ and probably keep the thirty bob for yourself," said Mr. Hunt. Defendant was then ordered to pav £2 costs. THE RESULT OF BOASTING. Some months ago four ladies were caught by inspectors of the Fisheries Department taking oysters. They had 36 dozen in a billy. Three came before the court and were each fined £5. The other, Alice Duggan, who gave her address as care Post Office, Auckland could not be served with her summons! consequently she did not appear in court with the other members of the quartet. "This lady went away and afterwards boasted how lucky she was in escaping an appearance at court," said Mr. V. N. Hubble, who prosecuted. "As the result of this, we found out that she was residing out of Auckland and charged her with the offence."' ~

Defendant, who did not appear, but wrote a letter to the magistrate a=kin" him t.. be fair, was fined £:; ami cost? 3 * nr. at s: ■■