MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2440, 20 April 1915, Page 7

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

AN UNUSUAL CHARGE A DOCTOR CONVICTED An unusual charge, and one involving such a heavy penalty as a fine not exceeding £100, was brought against Dr. Edith Huntloy in the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M. The charge against her was a3 follows:—"That, heing an inmate of a house (other than an institution within the meaning of the Mental Defectives 1911), in consideration of payment made or to be made, did permit to reside there a mentally defective woman, and did fail to send notice thereof to- the Inspector-General of Mental Defectives within. 48 hours after tlie mental defective ivas permitted to reside." - On behalf of defendant Mr. Reid entered a plea of guilty. Appearing for the Inspector-General of Mental Defectives, Mr. P. S. K. Macassey said that it was evident that the Legislature regarded such a bieacli of tho Act as a very serious one, as it made tho person charged liable to a fine not exceeding £100. In the present case, however, the Department did not press for a heavy penalty, and it had been brought more for a warnino; than anything else. In future cases tile Department would press for a heavy penalty.

Mr. Reid submitted that the breach of the Act was made only because defendant did not know Section 122 of the Act. Defendant had done everything she should otherwise. Ih. giving his decision, tho -Magistrate said tliat it was evident that defendant had made some arrangements in respect to tho patient, but not enough to comply with tli© Act. She would be convicted and ordered to pay costs, £1 12s. A CHARGE DISMISSED. Another unusual charge was brought against Annie Babana Patter, that of nursing two children for payment without being registered. The charge was brought by the District Agent for the Protection of Infant Homes. Mrs. T'ick on behalf of tho prosecution said that defendant had been previously licensed, but that tho license had been revoked, and although defendant had applied again her applicatio.il had not been granted. In her evidence defendant said tliat the two children were under her care during the daytime, but that their mother had rented a room in tho house and slept there at night with her children. In view of the facts stated the Magistrate dismissed the informs., tion. A VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE. May Houston denied ftat she stole an overcoat belonging to John Wall from one of the Harbour Board's sheds, stating that she was "tho victim of circamstane" in that some man (not produced) had lent her tho coat to protect bor frcm the rain. The Magistrate convicted and ordered her to come up for sentence when called upon on each charge, on condition that she remain in the Salvation Anny Home for three months.

SATURDAY NIGHT ESCAPADE. "You must not punch restaurantj keepers on Saturday nights," said the Magistrate to John M'Namara Jones, charged with drunkenness and assaulting a restaurant-keeper, Joljn Fraser. According to the police Jones had -without provocation punched the restaurantkeeper. A fine of £2 with witness's expenses, Bs., in default seven days' gaol, was imposed. OTHER OASES. Ellen Ryan, who from a verandah in Frederick Street saluted a neighbour across .the way with an obscene expression, was charged accordingly. On her behalf Mr. W. Perry pleaded guilty. The Magistrate ordered accused to conio up for sentence when called upon. Kate Brady, an old offender, was sent to gaol for three months on a charge of being an incorrigible rogue. Sua was convicted and discharged on charges of drunkemiessand committing a breach of her prohibition order. Jessie Nixon was further remanded for a week on a charge of being idlo and disorderly in that she had insufficient lawful means of support. Thomas Mulligan and Henry William Chapman were each fined £1, in default four days' imprisonment, for resisting Constable O'Dca in the execution of his duty. They were each connoted and discharged for drunkenness.

James Torney was convicted and ordered to pay medical expenses, 7s. 6d., on a charge of helpless drunkenness. David Henry Katwright was remanded to appear at Eketahuna on a- charge of attempting to desert his- wife. James Van Borsan was fined 205., or 48 hours, _ for drunkenness. Several first-offending inebriates were dealt' with. Thomas James, for whom Mr. P. J. o'Regan appeared, was fined £2 with costs lis., in default seven days' imprisonment, for removing shingle from Clhiro Beach without authority. Martin Gleeson, for whom Mr. W. Perry appeared, was fined £1, with costs lis., for employing an unregistered barman. Elizabeth Luks was fined £1, with costs 75., for Sunday trading. Sub-In-spector M'Kinnon said that the police wero receiving many complaints about Sunday trading, but that it siill continued.