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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 17, Issue 934, 3 February 1871, Page 2

Steamer Keeba. We observe by advertisement in a Nelson paper that the s.s. Keera is to be sold by public auotion at Auckland on the Bth inst. She is described as being "in a thorough sea-going order, just off the slip, having undergone a thorough overhaul."

Caution to Toy-sellers.—A new toy, recently introduced here, has caused some trouble in Wellington, according to the Evening Post, which vouches for the story. Some one had presented one of Mr Branigan's sons with a small toy pistol, which, by a pull of the trigger, explodes a preparation of detonating powder attached to paper, which is placed on the top so as to be struck by the falling harmer. This formidable weapon, thus brought under the notice of the Commissioner, induced that officer to make a representation of its terrible character to the Government, who have directed that toy-sellers, dealing in these highly dangerous weapons, musO obtain a licence, and a permit for each toy sold. The story is *o absurd that notwithstanding the affirmation of of the Post, that it is a " solemn fact," we remain incredulous. Since the above was in type, we have ascertained that the story is really true, and thac an order, which costs a shilling, must be procured from the Customs to purchase a penny toy.—Nelson Examiner*

Resident Magistrate's , Court. — This morning, on an information laid by Mr Maddock, Michael Rooney was charged with a breach of the Police Act in having yesterday afternoon acted in an indecent manner within view of the Church Lane. Mr Maddock gave an account of the behaviour of the prisoner, having been an eyewitness of his conduct. Two little girls were near at the time, whose attention the prisoner was apparently trying to attract —Jn defence the prisoner stated that he had retired to a secluded place, for a physical requirement, and had not acted in an indecent manner, adding that no such charge had ever been before marie against him.—The charge being fully sustained, the Magistrate sentenced the prisoner to four month's imprisonment with hard labor. He remarked that Mr Maddock deserved the thanks of the community for laying this information ; for ordinarily people were so backward in cases ot this nature that an offence of the kind might be perpetrated a hundred times without, the offender being brought to justice. The Act very properly allowed heavy punishment to be inflicted in cases of this kind, and all fathers would be glad to see such men as the prisoner severely dealt with. Johnson v. Money. —A claim of <£lo 10s damages. —This was rathar an important case, affecting the liability of a pouadkeeper. Jt was ultimately withdrawn. Our report is necessarily held over. We are also obliged to defer our report of the civil cases which were to come on after 2 p.m., one of them being the adjourned action, Peacock v. Torotoro.