MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1358, 8 February 1912, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

(Before Mr, W. G. Riddell, S.M.) GAME OF HAZARDS. "NOT A SCHOOL FOR LAMBS." At the Magistrate's Court yesterday Stephen Hansen was charged with playing hazards, ilo pleaded guilty. bub-Inspector b'tii-eliuu stated that, as Sergeant Fitzgerald was passing tlio Sailors' Rest on Tuesday alternoon, Jio noticed a lot of men congregated in Uie doorway, lie approached, and most of them uecamped upstaiis. The Sergeant, however, got up in time to sec Hansen picking up some dice and a, sixpence. Hansen gavo a wrong name to the sergeant, but afterwards admitted that ho had been playing hazards, and added that ho had lost 30s. Air. H. F. O'Leary, who appeared i'or Hansen, said that on that afternoon the game was being played by wharf labourers in their spare time. It was not a case of the running of a school into which "lambs" ware- introduced. The men know one another's play, and had equal chances. Hansen was fined £2, and allowed 18 hours in which to pay the amount. FRENCH LEAVE FROM SHIPS. William John Hatch pleaded guilty of absenting himself without leave from the steamer Ivaipara on January 25. Detective Brobcrg said that the Kaipara was at Dunedin on the date mentioned. She was no.v at Bluff, and he understood that she would be in "Wellington in about a week's time. Hatch was sentenced to H days' imprisonment, and if the vessel leaves New Zealand before his term expires he will be put on board. Edward John Tip ton admitted absenting himself from the Opawa without leave. Detective Broberg stated that Tipton left the Opawa at Auckland on November 25, and, later, joined the. Star of Scotland, on which vessel ho was arrested on Tuesday. The Opawa had left for England, and Tipton could not, therefore, be returned to the steamer. A sentence of 11 days' imprisonment ■was made. Edward Niblock admitted absenting himself from the- Zealandia at Auckland. Chief Detective Brobcrg said that Niblock subsequently joined the Mokoia at a much higher rate of pay. The Zealandia might bo leaving Auckland for England in about a week s time. Niblock received a sentence of 14 days' imprisonment, but if the vessel leaves New Zealand before the expiry of the term he will be put on board. THE STRENUOUS LODGER. Norman James Smith pleaded guilt}- to a charge of helpless drunkenness. Ho was entered to pay expenses 17s. Bd. He was also accused of wilfully damaging ' a window in the house of Agnes Mercer. When asked how he pleaded, Smith said that ho may have broken the window, but he did not do it wilfully. This was taken as a plea of not guilty, and evidence was then brought to show that Smith was taken to Mrs. Mercer's lodginghouse in Taranaki Street in the early hours of a recent morning, and was given a room and a bed. Ho did not use the bed. and, some time after admission, smashed the window. Testimony was given as to the good character of Smith, and it was stated that his lapse was due to a domestic trouble. Smith was fined 10s., and ordered to pay damages, 12s. TORY STREET DISCUSSION. Alfred Hankinson and James Devinie wero charged with causing a breach of the peace by using threatening behaviour. Hankinson pleaded not guilty, and Devinie pleaded guilty. Polico evidence was given to the effect that the pair ca.no out of a. Tory Street hotel arguing. The argument grew heated, and ended in blows. His Worship found that Hankinson had been provoked, and it had becomo necessary for him to defend himself. Hankinfon was discharged and Deviaio fined £1. OTHER CASES. Henry Pankhurst was fined £2 for breaking a prohibition order. Hans Domski was fined .£3 for committing a certain act. Ormond Henry O'Neill, alias Dyer, was convicted of being intoxicated, and was ordered to pay expenses, 17s. 6d.