RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1042, 7 April 1882, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT, ALEXANDRA.

Monday, April 3, 18S2.

{Before Major Jackson Keddell, R.M.)

Jimmy Ah You (a Chinaman) was charged on the information of the police with assaulting and robbing Ah Cheong {another Chinaman). Mr F. J. Wilson, solicitor, supported the prosecutor. Ah Chenng, sworn by the blowing out of a match, deposed that he was a miner and resided at Conroy’s Gully, and that on the ISth of March last he was at the house of Mr King at the lower end of Conroy’s Gully, and left th“re to go to Mr Roberts. Saw accused standing just outside King’s fence but did not speak to him. Next saw accused at corner of Robert’s fence, he called me a hj b and said he would kill me. Accused then assaulted me striking me with a long-handled shovel and a tomahawk. I became insensible, when 1 came to I was alone and found that I had lost everything. When in King’s I had a silver watch, steel chain and silver locket, of the value of £6, also £37 10s in notes and silver, I counted the money the day before in Alexandra and hj id not spent anything since. I had charged the accused with robbery some time since and he was imprisoned for the offence.

Ellen King, wife of John King, farmer, deposed; On the 31 at ult. I saw the prosecutor, Ah Cheong, at my house, whilst there he took out his watch to note the time, he also took out of his trousers pocket a leather purse and showed me two Miners Eights. 1 saw some silver in the purse, but did not notice any bank notes. A few minutes after he left, and accused came and asked me if my husband had finished harvesting. I told him Yes, and ho left. About ten minutes afterwards accused returned, and picking up his bundle which he had left behind, said he was going to Clyde. Accused appeared to be somewhat excited and I noticed that his face was scratched and bleeding.

Wm. Noble, a miner residing on West Bank of Molyneux deposed that accused was working for him on the morning of the SOth. nit. He had known accused for the past three years, during the morning when having a chat the name of Ah Cheong {sometimes called Ah Sam) was brought up, and reference was made to theaccused being imprisoned through him. Accused said Ah Cheong tell too muchy lies, called him a loafer and gambler, and said that if he met him he would hit him, accused left my place about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. From my place to Mr King’s is about 2 miles.

The Court adjourned till Thursday at Clyde. Thursday. Cross examined by accused : The conversation took place in the forenoon. Mrs Roberts, wife of Joseph Roberts, do-

posed : 1 live on the West Bank of Molyncux near Alexandra South. On Thursday 30th March between 3 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon I heard a strange noise and cooeying. On going outside I found Ah Cheong lying at the orchard gate, he was alone. He said, “ A Chinaman has beat me and stole my watch and money, ” and asked me to tell his cousin. He was all bleeding and T was frightened and did not know what to do. I was at home alone. He went into the stable. 1 saw a waggoner on the road and asked hin to acquaint the police on his arrival at Alexandra. I went to a neighbour’s place (Mr Oliver’s,) and Mrs Oliver came with me. We went to the stable, speaking through the window Mrs Oliver asked Ah Cheong what bronght him there, and who had touched him. He said, “Ah You had beat him and stole his watch and money, and said are you Mrs King.” Ah Cheong was lying on the floor on some hay, and he could not see us or we him. My husband returned home about 8 o’clock and after seeing Ah Cheong gave him some supper.

Constable Bell deposed from information received he visited Robert’s place on 31st ult, and saw Ah Cheong, who said he had been assaulted and robbed by Jimmy Ah You, the accused. He had a number of cuts about the head, hands, and legs ; and bruises about the arms. He told me vhere the assault took place, and I at once made a searching examination of the spot, but beyond finding a straw hat, owned by Ah Cheong, saw nothing to indicate a scuffle. Accused’s appearance was known to me and on April Ist at about 1 p.m. I arrested him in a Chinaman’s hut at Devonshire Gully, On getting him to the lock-up I searched and found £1 8s 6d I also found blood marks on bis trousers and vest; for these he accounted by saying that he bad been fighting at Blacks and also killing sheey. Accused being asked if he had anything to say, said :—“ 1 did not know Ah Cheong before. I know nothing about it.” He was committed for trial at the next Criminal Sitting to be held ot Dunedin.