MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1754, 20 May 1913, Page 11

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

DRESSING SHED THEFTS.

THE WATCH FOR OFFENDERS.

ONE PERSON CAUGHT. Ransackers of pockets in the dressingrooms at sports fixtures are often complained of. One of these cases came up before Dr. M'Arthur at tho Magistrate's Court yesterday. Gilbert Anderson, who was represented by Mr. J. J. M'Grath* was charged with the theft of a purse, valued at Is., and its contents, a sum of 10s. 6d., the property of John Stewart Fox. It was stated that the theft had taken place at Karori Park (now used for hockey) on Saturday. Inspector Ilendry stated that hockey players had complained to the Karori constable of a number of petty thefts which had been comniitted in tho dress-ing-sheds, whilst t'hey were playing. In consequence of these reports tho caietaker of Karori Park and a constable watched the shed on Saturday afternoon, and Anderson had been caught in the act of "going through" the clothes hanging therein. Ho was arrested and placed in a tramcar, for t'he purpose of being taken into Wellington. Whilst the ear was travelling at a fast rate, he jumped off, but was arrested again later, and brought t> Wellington in a motor-car. Mr. M'Grath stated that Anderson was a member of a very respectable and wellknown family, and had not been before the Court previously. His Worship pointed out to accused tho serious nature of ; the offence, and imposed a nominal penalty of 20s. Accused was also ordered to pay costs, amounting to 12s. 6d.

FIGHTING IN CUBA ST. William Rankin and Alex. M'Lean were jointly charged with having committed a breach of tho peace by fighting in Cuba Street on Saturday. Each of tho defendants was fined 10s., with the option of 48 hours' imprisonment.

AT THE ROYAL TIGER. Norman Christopher was charged with insobriety on Saturday and Sunday last, and with being found on the licensed premises of the Royal Tiger Hotel at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday. Inspector Hendry said that tho defendant had been arrested on Saturday for insobriety, but was released on bail. On the following day (Sunday) he was found intoxicated on the licensed premises mentioned.

On the two charges of insobriety defendant was fined on each 10s., with the option of 48 hours' imprisonment, and on the third charge was fined 205., in default seven days' imprisonment.

"LANGUAGE" ON A CAR. Arthur Scholtz, who used certain language to a tram conductor, and in tho presence and 'hearing of passengers on a tram was fined 205., with Court costs £2 35., with the option of going to gaol for seven days.

"HARDLY WORTH STARTING NOW." A rather old-looking man appeared at the Magistrate's Court yesterday to answer a charge of insobriety. After the charge had been read over to accused, lie said, "I plead guilty, your Worship. ... It is the first time in my life that I have been drunk." His Worship: "First time in your life!" Defendant. "Yes." His Worship: "It's hardly worth while starting now. Convicted and discharged." OTHER CASES. Matthew Murray was fined 10s., in default" 48 hours' imprisonment, for insobriety. Six offenders on similar charges were convicted and discharged. Three others were fined 10s. each. Fines of ss. each were imposed in three other cases. Mary Taylor, for disobeying a maintenance order (in arrears to the extent of .£3l 165.) was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

Patrick Quinn was charged with insobriety, and with unlawfully assaulting a police constable named David Caution. Oil the first charge ho was convicted and discharged, and on the second offenco was fined 405., in default seven days' imprisonment. Thomas M. M'Laren was ordered to pay 10s. per week towards tho support of his child. M. Huxtablo was granted a separation order against her husband, Frederick Huxtablo, on the grounds of failure to maintain. Alfred Hoy was ordered to pay the sum of ill per week towards the support of his wife and child.