MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1667, 24 June 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday, June 25. [Before O. Whitefoord, Esq., E.M.] Deunk AND Dhoedhelt.—One drunkard was fined ss.

Laecenv.— Henry Chiverson, a boy twelve years of age, was charged with steal ; ng two thermometers value €2 Is, the property of the Now Zealand Government. William Darby deposed that he was a carpenter working for Mr Male, of Kilmore street. He knew the prisoner. On the 19th instant witness was employed at Mr Walker’s stable in Kilmore street, Ee saw the prisoner who asfcad b : m if he had lost anything. Witness replied he might have, but did not know. Prisoner then showed him the instrument produced, which he said he had found near Mr Walker’s stable. Witness then took the thermometer to Mr Stevens’, the chemist, and left it there. John B. Stansell said he was (he meterological observer for the Provincial District of Canterbury. He had charge of all the instruments at the office. On the 24th of April, at 9.30, witness took observations as usual, and set the instruments produced. On the 26th inst., at the same hour, he went again and found them missing. He at once gave information to the police. On Friday last witness went to Stevens’, chemist, Victoria street, who showed him the instrument produced, which he at once recognised as one of the missing instruments. Witness then searched Walker’s stable, and also saw the prisoner, who said he had found the instrument in the stable that morning. The instruments were enclosed at the station by a paling 6ft. high. On the 25th witness did not find any traces of any one having entered the observatory. The value of the instruments was about £2 ss, and are the property of the Government. Robert Poynter, assistant to Mr S. Stewart, pawnbroker, Lichfield street, deposed that the prisoner came, with another boy, to the shop about two months ago. They offered two thermometers in pledge. The prisoner had them loose in his hand. Witness objected to take them ia pawn, but the lad said ho had been sent by hi* father. He had not seen the boy since. Did not give information to the police, as they called at the shop the same day or the next. Albert Walker, a carrier, living in Peterborough street, deposed that he never saw the thermometer produced iu his stable. Harriet Cheverson deposed that on the evening the boy was said no have pawned the instrument Mr (Stevens came to her house about the matter, and said the description of the boy was not known. Datective Benjamin deposed ’hat, about four o’clock yesterday he was in Peterborough street with the witness Poynter, The boy came out of a side street, and Poynter recognised him at once as one of the boys who had come to the shop some t’ir» ago. The prisoner was remanded to next Thursday.