AUCKLAND NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1377, 11 February 1905, Page 1

AUCKLAND NEWS.

(Per Press 'Association.). > Auckland, last night,

Arthur William Thornton was charged n tho Police Court with stealing Bix £1 notes, the prosecutor’s evidence was that ho came from the South in the steamer Rarawa last Thursday, and met accused. Witness and Thornton ban some drink together, and he went to Thornton’s house for a sleep. While ho was lying on a bed accused woko him up three times to ask for money. Witness gave him Ss and 2s. When he woko up a third time ho took oil his coat and at accused’s suggestion he went into another room for a wash. When he returned ho missed six £1 notes, and accused Thornton of stealing them. This was denied by accused, and they went together to iiiden Terrace Police Station. Constable Hodgson described what took placo there, stating that Constablo Anderson asked Thornton what he had in his trouser pocket. “Nothing, nothing," replied accused, and tho officer searching his pocket found in it three £1 notes. Thornton then stated that bp' had been saving them to pay for his wife's false teeth, but she died, and ho intended erecting a tombstone with flip money. - Ford toldthe Magistrate that he b!sme|i himself somewhat for “ taking ’“up with a perfect stranger, and he would like to see tbe accused dealt with leniently. Thornton denied having taken tbe Dotes and repeated his explanation thnt they were intended to pay for his wife’s tombstone. The Magistrate, however, found him guilty, sentencing him to a months’ hard labor. Ho ordered the notes to be returned to prosecutor. A fire early this morniog destroyed Sargent and Littleproud’s coach factory, Mechanic’s Bay, also a large stock of veniclee, including two valuable motor cars.

jgijTbe damage by firo at Sargent and Littleproud’s runs into some thousands of pounds. The insurance was BSQQ on tbs building and LSGO on the ooDtents with the Guardian. The contents inolnded machinery and a large number of vehicles, also three.motor cars valued at LSOO eaob, which are. a total loss. They were uninsured. There is no accounting for the fire.

Judgo Edwards gave a reserved judgment to-day in a case involving over LISOO available from a fund started by I.ady Martin : for establishing a rescue home. He ordered that' the income be paid to the Door of Hope so loug'as it was unsectarian and the inmates were not required to attend any particular form of servico. Objections by the Salvation Army and Anglican Church W6re not sustained. . -