MAYOR’S COURT.

Evening Star, Issue 3118, 15 February 1873, Page 2

MAYOR’S COURT.

This Day, (Before his Worship the Mayor and J. Brown, Esq , J P ) Drunkenness, Henry Gowan, against whom there were seven previous convictions, was fined 20s, with the alternative of 3 days’ imprisonment. Theft Charles M'Alister was charged with stealing four pieces of sawn timber, of the value of Is, from the yard of Guthrie and Asher, timber merchants, Dunedin. Sub-Inspector Mallard said accused had been apprehended by the police on a charge of stealing the timber ; but from enquiries that had been made, it appeared that he had permission to take it. Accused had been arrested on account of the many complaints that had been made of persons taking timber from these yards. The arresting constable said it was before six o’clock when he arrested accused, and on asking him where he got the timber, be said —from the yard of Guthrie and Asher. On taking him down there, he called Mr Faithful, an i asked if he had not permission to take it. Mr Faithful said it would bo better to see Mr Blackie. He said he worked in the yard, Mr Blackie knew accused, who was foreman of the stable, and a thoroughly trustworthy servant. He (witness) had given him permission to take the timber. From the information received, he did not think he should have been locked up ; and he seemed very much cut up about it. Accused said he had been working in the yard during the last four years, and on being arrested, he had given what he considered satisfactory information. He might be seen in the yard at six o’clock any morning He had neve • been befere the Court previ usly. His Worship said, under the circumstances, the constable had lacked discretion in arresting accused. In stopping him, however, it showed vigilance on the constable’s part, and for that he should be praised. Accused would be dischared without the slightest imputation on his character.