MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1921, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

FRIDAY, FEB. 11th. (Before C. R. Orr-Walker, Esq., S.M.) AFTERNOON SITTING. ALLEGED THEFT. Police v. Isabella A. .Muir, a charge of theft of £lB. Mr Murdoch appeared for accused. His Worship stated that in view of the fact that the point bad been raised at at the hearing last sitting the defendant had not had the opportunity of pleading as laid down by the Act, he had decided to take the hearing de novo, J andthat all the evidence would fie taken j down again as usual in indictable I offences. However, he may under the | Act, at any time during the hearing, mid with the consent of accused, deal summarily with the matter. The hearing of evidence was continued, it being on lines of that published a

fortnight ago of t.u> provions hearing. Practically no now facts were brought , out. The evidence of Albert C. 'A oolliouse and John Payne was taken, Mr , Murdoch objecting to the admission of j their evidence, which his Worship cut- 1 ruled hut noted the objection. The case for the police having ! ten completed, the evidence was read over to the .accused. The usual charge was then made ; ml j the accused applied to he dealt with summarily. His Worship said the case was in -’-h opinion too serious a one to i e dealt with summarily. The accused then pleaded not guilty, reserved her defence, and was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court to he held in Tfokitiki on March lfith next. Bail was alhm. d in accused in £IOO and a surety of £IOO. INFECTED SHEEP. W. Scott (Stock Inspector), v. W. O’Beilly, a charge of exposing in a public place (Arahura yards), sheep infected with lice. Mr Scott and Mr Conning formally gave evidence as to th 0 snoop being infected. A letter was received from defendant saying that owing to , 1J m,t

nny-iuuhiiiK 5 admitting the offence. Convicted nnd fined £3 nnd costs 7s. Same v. Win. Lyes, for exposing sheep for sale infected with lice. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was convicted and fined €3 and costs 7s. Same v. H. Karnbaoh, a similar charge of exposing sheep in a public place infected with lice. Mr Murdoch appeared for defendant. Convicted and fined £2 nnd costs 7s. Same v. 1C Cropp, for exposing sheep in a public place, infected with lice. Defendant pleaded guilty. Convicted and find £3 and costs 7s. Same v. M. Williamson, for exposing sheep in a public place, infected with lice. No appearance.' Convicted and fined £3 and costs 7s. CHAR (IK OF ASSAULT. Police v. Albert Cutbush, a charge of assaulting Charles Pearson bv striking him on the face, during a scuffle i„ the Princess Theatre. Evidence was oiven bv Charles Pearson, Harold Lawn and Constable Quinn for. the prosecution and by the accused on his own behalf. After reviewing the evidence the Magistrate convicted and fined accused £0 and costs 175., in default < 'da.vs. Accused was given fourteen days to

/111 uni vi •• fyP 'ti„, Court then adjourned till 19 o’clock on Saturday morning, j SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 12th. DEBT CASKS. Robinson and Son (Mr Sellers) v. || j). Smith, claim £Bl l~ s Bd. Judgment for plaintiffs with costs £4 Is fid. .\nnie Baines (Mr Murdoch) v. Robert Cant, claim £l4 Bs. Defendant agreed to pay the amount forthwith

and the case was adjourned. W Sedtt (Inspector of Stock) v. E. Morris (Air Wells) a charge of offering for sale lice-infccted sheep (Kokatahi Saleynrds). Defendant pleaded that the had been only bought that morning. Convicted and fined 10- and costs 7/-. | ALLEGED ASSAULT. Police v. William White a charge oi disturbing an entertainment in Princess Theatre; and with assaulting A. De- j viscori, ' 1 Mr Sellers appeared for defendant , and pleaded not guilty. , Sorgt King opened the case and c1T!l- , ed Antoni Deviscovi who deposed he ! resided at the Post Office Hotel. On j night 31st. Jan. was usher at the • Princess Theatre. Defendant was in the Is section. Two lads went into ,

the 2s section. He told them to go hack in the Is section, but they declined. The defendant then got up and sa id—Lay your hands on that hoy and 1 will punch your head off. As soon as witness put his hand on the boy the defendant rushed and hit at, witness savagely. The hall was packed with people. Defendant said he vanted a piece with you (witness) ; that lie had been looking lor him lor two or thioe weeks. The row caused the prevention of the entertainment. As soon as White hit out, witness put up his hands to defend himself and a fight ensued for two or three minutes. Then some men pulled Afliite away. To Mr Sellers—Heard an argument between Pearson (another harrier usher) and some one else, and therefore went down to assist, in keeping order. (Left sitting.)