MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1918, Page 1

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

WEDNESDAY, December 18. (Before E. C. Levvcy Esq., S-M.) A WELCOME. Mr Park (Crown Prosecutor) extended to Mr Levvey, on behalf of the Bar, a warm welcome to the district. He trusted that tlie cordial relations that had always existed between the Bench and Bar would continue in the future. He assured his Worship that the Bar would be glad to give him every assistance in their power to make his stay in the district a. pleasant one. His Worship caul lie deeply appreciated tlie warmth and kindness of the welcome. He felt sure of receiving tlieir support and would do his host to give satisfaction. In connection with the arrears of work that had gathered up lie would do his best to deal with them, and lie assured them that once they were cleared up there would be neither arrears or delays in the future. He thanked them for their cordial welcome. A DEFENDED CASE. Police, a'. Louey Bell (Mr Murdoch) two charges one of selling bananas unfit for human consumption and with Sunday trading. A plea of not guilty was entered. William Pritchard, draper, gave evidence that on Sunday afternoon, November 21 tli, be sent liis wife’s uie-e into Louey Bell’s to buy some bananas. Some of the fruit she obtained was unfit for use. Charles Gibbons, Borough Inspector stated ou Monday morning that Pritchard handed witness some .bananas which were entirely unfit for consumption. To Mr Murdoch —He was not aware that people liked bananas in a very ripe condition. Sergt-. Policy gave evidence that of four bananas shown to him two were in a. rotten condition and two were quite black. Louey Bell, fruiterer, gave evidence that on Sunday, November 24th., he was sick in bed all day. Ho did not servo anyone that day. He heard a girl knock and Di Ming a friend went to tho door and after she had goqe Di Ming said sli c had wanted bananas for sick "woman and ho liad sold them. The money for the bananas went into the till. Harry Di Ming, residing at Greyliwiutli, stated on the day in question ho was at Louey 'Bell’s shop. Louey was in bed when a knock came and a girl came and said she wanted banana for sick mother. Ho gavy her good banana- and slie went out. His Worship said be would convict on the charge though he would not consider the sale a very bad charge. A further charge was heard of keeping unwholesome fruit—bananas. A pica of not guilty was entered. Charles Gibbons gave evidence that on November 25th., lie found fruit similar the counter. Under the window there was a box of bananas absolutely rotten. Witness bacl previously warned against keeping bad fruit on the premises. Constable Stark and W. J. Pritchard gave supporting evidence. Louey Bell gave evidence os to Lie usual procedure of sorting out fruit. His Worship convicted on all charges On charge of selling on Sunday, costs of 7s and witness 6s was inflicted; on charge of selling unfit fruit, no penalty was inflicted, and on the charge of keeping unwholesome fruit a fine of 10s was inflicted.