MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1870, 2 October 1913, Page 11

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

MINIFIE CASE,

HUSBAND TO STAND HIS TRIAL

1 Samuel Charles Minifio has been committed to tho Supremo Court, thoro to stand his trial on a charge that on the evening of July 28 ho attempted to murder his wife, Julia Minifie, who had not been living with him for 6oino time, ims stage was reached in tho Magistrate's Court yesterday. Mr. W. G. iiiddell, S.M., was on tho bench. Inspector Hendry, represented tho police, and Mr. P. W. Jackson appeared as counsel for Minifie. A good deal of evidence had been heard at a previous sitting. James Homo, a wharf labourer, stated that between 6.30 and 6.45 p.m. on July 23 ho hoard a "bit of an argument" between a mail and a woman in Upper Willis Street. Thoro was a shot, and then* "a bit of a yell for help." The man wa-s putting something in his pocket as he walked away. There was no doubt about the shot, but witness could not say who fired it. Ho could not idontify either the man or tho woman, but the man woro a light overcoat and a hard hat.

Mary Bailey, of 238 Willis Street, deposed that' Mrs. Minifio had been a lodger with her for some time. About 8.30 on tho evening of tlio shooting a telegram addressed to "S., Minifie"' was delivered at her house. It read: "No hope, Jule." Tho message was signed "Sam."

George Levy, a clerk in tho General Post Office, stated that tho telegram referred to was put in at the Te Aro Post Office at 8 p.m. on July 28.

Walter Smart, pawnbroker, "Willis Street, stated that he remembered selling Minifio tho revolver produced ,on Juno 28, 1913. Tho weapon had since been pawned with him about five times. The' last occasion was on July 19 of this year, and it was redeemed a fow days later.

Minifie, who reserved his defence, was committed to tlio Supremo Court for trial. Mr. Jackson stated that so far Minifio had been unable' to get-.bail, and the Court reduced tho surety required from £150 .to £100. OTHER COURT CASES. George Harrison pleaded guilty to a chargo of having stolen a pair of shoes from tho cargo of the Athenic while the vessel was lying at Hobart. Ho was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

For insobriety. Margaret Williams was ordered to pay 17s. 6d. medical expenses.