MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2007, 14 March 1914, Page 14

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

DOINGS IN CHINATOWN. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. I). ~G. A. Cooper, S.M., a (Jhineso named Gee Guie was charged with assaulting Kathleen von Caut, and also with being an idle and disorderly porson. Mr. J.. F. Dickson defended the case. Kathleen von Caut stated in evidence that the Chinese had struck her a blow over tho left eye whilst he was under the influence of liquor. To Mr. J. F. Dickson: She did not lay the information against the Chinese. She had, in fact, no desire to do so. Inspector Hendrey stated, that he would not allow any Chinese to beat a European woman without taking steps to prosecute him. There were quite a number of unfortunate women living with such men as the accused. "They are practically white slaves to the Chinese," concluded the Inspector. His Worship fined accused £5 on the first charge. After hearing evidence on the second count, ho dismissed tho information. THE OPIUM MAN. Doong Sing, a Chinese, was fined £5 for being found in possession of opium in a form suitable for smoking. Accused was. arrested recently in i police raid on No. 140 Taranaki Street. The police evidence was to the effect that Doong * Sing had entered a room while the polico wero there, and had sat down on a sofa. When he moved from his seat, a .small till containing -the drug was found lying on the floor. Mr. J. F. W. Dickson, "»vho defended, submitted that there was no proof that his client had actually been found ill possession of the opium. The Magistrato imposed a, fine of £c Is., in default one month's imprisonment. Costs of appeal were fixed at £7 7s. CHARGE THAT FAILED. Bert Crook, who was represented bj Mr. H. F. O'Leary, pleaded not guiltj to a charge that on February 21, 1914. being a bookmaker, ho did bet on licensed premises, to wit, the Masonic Hotel. Constable Leo Revel said that he sau accused in the Masonic Hotel on Febru ary 21, in company with two othei men. One of tho men said to witness "Do you come about a double?" Wit ness replied in the affirmative. Tbi Wanganui races were on at the time

and defendant passed a double card to witness. Witness picked his horses', and, after paying defendant 25., left the hotel. Afterwards ho again saw dofendant, and tho latter stated that witness's double had not been successful. Detective-Sergeant. Cassells said that he went to the Masonic Hotel on March 6, and saw tho defendant there. Hβ then charged him with the offence; Mr. O'Leary flatly contradicted tho police story. He said that the man who had asked the constable if he" would like to bet was not . accused. Moreover, no evidence had been offered that it was "common knowledge" that' liis client was a bookmaker. The Magistrate held tho police evidence to (be insufficient, and dismissed the case. . FISHERMEN IN TROUBLE. Three Italian fishermen, Antonio Mazzolo. Salvo Staguaros, and Antono Mazzolo, wero each charged wth drawing in a net containing fish oir-to'-dty land, and also withj taking four soles less than nine inches in length. Defendants pleaded guilty to both.charges.' Inspector Hendrey stated that the dofendants had been cautioned by Constable Simpson. For some time past almost a nuisance baa been caused by undersized 1 fish being left about the beach. Each defendant was fined £1 on tho first charge. On the second count a conviction only was recorded. ENFORCING THE BY-DAWS. r Victor Abbot was fined 55., and costs is., for driving a motor-car at night without sliowing a rear light. On a charge of furiously driving a four-wheeled cab in, Cuba Street, James Baldwin, jun., was fined 55., and court costs 7s. Norman Copeland was fined 55., and costs 75., for leaving an unlightefd. motor-car on a public thoroughfare ai night. . Arthur J. Gilnian was fined a similar

amount for r'ding a bicyclo at night - without a light. On charges of leaving a motor-car unattended for u longer period than five minutes, And with failing tg draw- his car parallel to the footpath, George Howard -was fined 10s., and cpsts 14s. For driving a motor-car without having a- registration mark attached, Leonard M. Liardet was fined os., and costs 7s. Harry Rudgo was fined a similar amount for a liko offence. George- Waddle- was fined Is. for a minor breach of the motor-car, by-laws. A fine of-55., and costs 75., was imposed upon James Bfbdie, who drove a motor-car at night without lights. Cecil Rossitcr was fined Is., with Court costs 75., for riding a bicycle without a bell. 1 :_ / MISCELLANEOUS. Wah Leo, who admitted having worked on a Sunday, was fined 55., with Court costs 7s. On a charge of failing to send his child to school, Lawrence Driscoll was fined 55., and costs 7s. For insobriety, seven first offenders wero leniently dealt with. On a charge of indecency, James M'Garrity was sent to gaol for 48 hours. On a similar charge, Arthur Hatherwcll, a naval man, was sent to gaol for two months. Minnie Brown was sent to gaol for ono month for being an idle and- disorderly person. . INDUSTRIAL CASES. The Inspector of Awards (Mr. R. T. Bailoy) proceeded -against \V. Green, baker, of Riddifori Street, on a charge of failing, to Iceep a wages and ovortimo hook. After hearing evidence, the Magistrate imposed a fine- of £5, and costs 7s. Ernest Roberts wa3 fined ss. for failing to close his shop at such a time as required by the Shops and Offices Act, 1908.,