The Belfit Case

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 105, 19 February 1885, Page 3

The Belfit Case

A sitting of the R.M. Court was held this motning before H. L. Sherwill, Esq., J.P:, to hear the case of Robert Belfit, of Foilding, who was arrested at Wellington a few days ago on a charge of deserting his wife, Louisa Belfit, and family.' 'Accused, who had been bailed out— himself and Charles Hagget in £20 each— did not appear. 'It was therefore ordered that unless sufficient cause for such nonappearance be shown by the 9th of March next at 10 a.m., at the R.M. Court at Feilding, the moneys paid as security would be estreated to the Crown. Mrs Belfit was instructed that she would have to take out a fresh warrant, signed by the Resident Magistrate. Robert Belfit afterwards arrived by the midday train from Wanganui and at once reported himself. The case was again called on at two o'clock this afternoon, before the same Justice, when the accused explained that the steamer by which he camefromWellington was unexpectedly delayed, and that his non-appearance this morning was no fault of his own. This was accepted by the Bench as sufficient cause why the bail should not be estreated. The Clerk explained that the charge was laid under the " Destitute Persons Act," and would have to be heard before a Resident Magistrate. The case was therefore remanded till Wednesday next, and the accused was again liberated on bail, himself in £20 and two other sureties in £20 each. Messrs Hammond and Jackman then came forward and gave the necessary bonds.