RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, CLYDE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 635, 19 June 1874, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, CLYDE.

—o - Monday, June 15. (Before W. L. Simpson, Esq., R.M.) Thomas Smithson was charged with stealing a water-proof coat, of the value of 21. sb. John Mellor, of Newtown," Tinker’s, storekeeper, deposed : Accused was at my store on Tnursday, the sth instant. On that day a water-proof coat was hanging on a partition of my store. On the WWiug morning the coat was missed, aud, believing it to have been stolon, I gave information to the police at Black’s. Suspected accused because of previous knowledge of him in connexion w.th some stolen gold. Next saw the coat at the Police Camp, Black’s, aud recognisedjt as being the one I lost, it having a chafe under one of the sleeves.

Henry Albert Rout, storeman for the previous witness, gave coi roborative evidence, adding, on the coat being produced, that he would swear to it under any circumstances ’ey the chafe or tear under the sleeve. Thomas M'Gann, police constable, stationed at Black’s, sworn, said : Upon the information laid by Mr Mellon 1 proceeded to the White Horse Hotel, Manuherikia River, kept by John Mill ward, for whom the accused was working. Saw accused, and told him of the coat being missing. He said he had only a monkey jacket. Searched the room in which accused slept, and under the maltrass found a waterproof coat done up in a paper parcel, lu answer to questions, accused said he had purchased it about a mouth ago and there was time enough to say where. 1 then apprehended him. The accused bears but a doubtful character, having been suspected of stealing some building materials and fencing wire, but the property not being recognisable no action was taken against him. Believed accused to be a man of means. Sentenced to three months’ imprisonment iu Dunedin Goal, with hard labor.