MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 46, 19 November 1918, Page 9

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

— *—T-. ' Threo first-offending -. inebriates were dealt with in the usual way by Mr. F. V. Frazcr, S.JL, at. the-.Magistrate's Court yesterday momiiig. . John■ Fry, a previous offender,- was fined 10s. for drunkenness.- ~ ■• • . liobart Eitton, a fireman, plended. guilty to npluirge of .refusing to-'obey a'lawful command of,the chief engineer on an overseas vessel, tie was fined-.£2, with 7s. costs, Mid'ordered to forfeit ; tfro days' pay. His Worship remarked that a heavier penalty would be imposed. if accused offended, again. CHARGE -.01? THEFT DISMISSED. .Tohii \V. Bailey, for whom.Mr. P. W. Jackson appeared,' pleaded .not guilty to a charge of stealing'two drums,of sheep-, dip', the''property of the Wellington. Harbour Board. " Evidencf!.was given by A. Bell, tally clork, that'ho saw Bailey's cart pass, •along a wharf with two drums of dip. aboard. He asked Bailey, what, delivery they were for—town .'far. transportation. Bailey replied that they, were for town, but lib confirmation of the delivery could ■ be obtained. 1 Ho subsequently identified Bailey's express at tho request of the police. Constable Clevorlcy. • corroborated the ' previous witness's evidence in regard.to the identification of the express. Thero. ■ was-only ono John W.-Bailey registered; as a carrier in tho municipal offices.; Bailey in. giving evidence denied any. -, -knowledge-'-of. tho dip. Ho had been on (.he wharf for. luggage from the Moeraki. If he had tho ,shccp-dip'in his cart ho would, liave to account for" it'before-' the Customs' officials would allow him off tho wharf.-- " :'. His Worship said it was a case of oath ■against oath. Witness Bell-had given his evidence in a just and dispassionate manner', but..'despite, strong suspicion there was not sufficient evidence to convict. Tho information would be dismissed.. . •