RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. PORT CHALMERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3759, 11 March 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. PORT CHALMERS.

Thursday, March 11. (Before T. A. Hansford, Esq., R. M.) Theft. —Jacob Douglas, a colored man, was charged with stealing a piece of timber of the value of 30s, the property of Samuel Caro. From the evidence of prosecutor and four witnesses, it appeared accused and two other persons were seen on Saturday afternoon last near prosecutor’s house, and Douglas was carrying the piece of timber produced in Court on his shoulder. The wood, together with other pieces, were found close to Douglas’s house.— Richard Mede, a carpenter, was called as a witness for the defence, and stated Douglas had been in his company from three o’clock until past eleven on the day in question, and witness hadpotaeen him touch the wood. He heard Caro say, in consequence of a quarrel between himself and Douglas, that he would have revenge. —Mr Joyce, for the accused, produced testimonials of his client’s good character, and his Worship, who stated Mede’s evidence did not prove the alibi intended to be set up, observed that little doubt existed in his mind as to the ownership of the piece of blue gum produced, yet he thought the evidence for the complainant not sufficiently strong for a jury to convict on, and therefore dismissed the case without any remarks thereon.