MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 636, 27 May 1921, Page 7

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

- > Before Mr E, \V. Burton. S.M. > FAILING TO PARADE. The Defence Department (Lieut. A. R. Matt) proceeded against Robert F. V. Pine for failing- to attend a parade of Senior Cadets on May 4th, Defendant pleaded not guilty. Lieut, Halt said that defendant had been persistently absent from parade. He bad only averaged one drill per month instead of four parades each month. Defendant said he was employed by the Post and Telegraph Department. His absence was due to working, but not in every case. On the date in question he had a key of the Post Office and had to give it to an officer who was returning from leave in order to attend to the early morning mail. He arrived by train at 7.45 p.m. He was late and-did not attend. He sent an excuse next morning. Defendant was fined £1 and costs 7s. The Magistrate advised Pine* to attend drill regularly, He saw that in Auckland the offenders were fined £5. Next time he would impose a similar fine.

ANOTHER OFFENDER. John Hogan pleaded guilty to a charge of failing- to attend drill on May ,11th, and he was fined £1 and ordered to pay 7s Court costs. Lieut. Hatt said that defendant had been slack in rendering personal service. He had warned him previously. On the night in question defendant was found in the billiard room, wearing his uniform. The Magistrate again warnect the defendant, pointing out that in future the fines would be nearer the maximum. ASSAULT. For assaulting a young man at Patumahoe on May 2nd, a defendant was convicted and fined £2, and ordered to pay costs amounting to £3 17s. ALLEGED DRUNKENNESS. John Keane was charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse and gig on May 7th, and secondly, with driving a horse and gig cm the Patumahoe to Pukekoho road on the same date without lights. An application for a prohibition order was made by the police against defendant. Keane, who pleaded not guilty,, and objected to the prohibition order, asked that the cases be adjourned until next Court day, as he believed a civil action against him was pending, and if he was convicted on the above it may prove detrimental to him in the civil case. The adjournment was granted, subject to defendant paying witnesses expenses, amounting to £3. NO LIGHTS. For driving a horse and gig at Ttiakau on April 30th, A. Burgess fv/ho did not appear) was fined ss, and ordered to pay 12s Court costs.