THE SEVEN YEAR OLD CHARGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 February 1909, Page 3

THE SEVEN YEAR OLD CHARGE

*• ACCUSED AGAIN REMANDED

Dr. .1. Mcßrearty .1.1'., presided at a sitting c»f the Magistrate's Court this niorniiig, when Donald Owen wan charged on remand, that on August llih. 1902, at I'ahitiM-stoii North, he did obtain from (ienrgo A. I'recco, Commission Agent, the sum of 18s by means of false pretence, to wit, by stating that he had land for sale at Feilding. Inspector Black appeared f„r the ['♦dice and Mr A. I'. llar|>er for the accused.

Mr Harper stated that as the charge was seven years old and lh" amottnl involved so small, ho had telegraphed to Ins brother, who i. a clergyman at i'almersioii North, rei|i« sting him )■> interview Mr I'reoce, the informant, and ascertain whether he desired proceedings continued. .\

reply lind been received Uial Mr I'roeeo would likely net in such" a manner, but until the formal procedure had been carried out, he would have to ask for a remand.

Inspector Black said he had no objection to offer t" such a course being pursued. Of coiuve ho was powerless to dii anything in the matter till the information had Imxmi cancelled in |he I'alineislon North Court and the fact had been ollirially notified i<> him.

'ill- presiding Justice agreed to a remand till Monday and offered to fix bail in accused £lO and ono .surety of £lO.

Inspector Black, in regard to the question of bait, slated, thai he would have to object to it being fixed at such u low figure; as tho accused was just out of gaol after serving six weeks' imprisonment for six similar offences. Mr Harper said thai in any case i! would l>e impossible to obtain bail, n„d | u . 'would n<>l make a requosl in that direction.

The Bench, therefore, simply re mandod ih-.iis.-I fill Monday next.