MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1921, Page 1

MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23rd

(Before C. R. Orr-Walker, Esq., S.M.)

DEFENCE ACT.

F. Alclntosh (Staff Sergt Major), v. James Devanev, a charge of failure to attend parade. No appearance. Fined 20s. .

NO LIGHT.

Police v. Claudo Robinson, a charge of cycling without a. light at 9.10 p.m. on 6th. Convicted and fined 5s and

costs 7s. Same v. John Nancekivell, a charge of riding a motor cycle, without a light at 10.30 p.m. Convicted and fined 10s and costs 7s. Same v. R. Well- a charge of riding ~ bicycle without a light after dark. A plea of guilty was entered. .Convicted and fined 5s and costs 7s. LICENSING ACT. Tho police charged an offender who did not appear,.with being on licensed premises (Red Lion Hotel), after hours. Convicted and fined £2 and costs 7s. A defended charge. Same v. W. P. Morgan, (Mr Murdoch) a'charge of being on licensed premises (Red Lion Hotel), after hours, 11.20 p.m., on 4th. A plea of not guilty was entered. Sergt King gave evidence that _ on the night of the 4th March he -visited the Red Lion hotel and found defendant in the telephone room. He was in company with TT. AToLean. It was 11.20 p.m. Defendant said he was the guest of Mr McLean and was doing business with him.

Af,- Murdoch said the defence was that the statement of the case was perfectly true.

Henry McLean, picture proprietor residing at Reefton, deposed he showed at Hokitika on the 4th inst. Met Mr Morgan at the Post Office about 11 JO p.mT Went with him to the hotel and into the office. Had no drink there. Went to square up thp tax on the takings. AYcr e then talking of a bond required by the Department. Always paid the tax to Air Morgan personally in the hotel or his (All* Morgan’*) office.

James A. Stapleton gave evidence that lie was assistant in the Stamp Office, and he had gone to the hotel to see Mrs AlcLeanon the Friday, but had been nimble to do so, in reference to a bond required. AVillinm P. Morgan deposed lie was Deputy Commissioner of Stamps at Hokitika. On 4th ATarch he was out of town all day and returned at ten minutes to 6. Ho met Air McLean at the Post Office at 11.15 p.m. Mentioned the matter of the amusement tax and bond. Then went to Afclntosh’s office where the amount of tax was paid. AYas there when the Sergeant came in. He was not a prohibitionist. His duty was to get the tax. To the Magistrate.—He was waiting for ATcLean till he had finished at the Theatre. He preferred not to open his office ,at night. The office closed at 3 o’clock.

His Worship said if the head of his Department expected Air Morgan to go to an hotel at 11.20 at night to collect tax then it was absolutely wrong. If tho head of a Government Department expected the Deputy Commissioner of Stamps to go into an hotel for such a purpose at such an hour, then the officer was not fit to occupy the position he does. We could not see any reason for such an action. It would be much better if the officer went to his own office than to an hotel to transact the business. It was only natural, that if the police went to an hotel and found him there at such an hour that they should take the action they had. In view of the explanation made he would accept it. The information would he dismissed. DEBT CASES.

Dowell Bros (Mr Sellers) v. Timothy Murphy, claim £6. Judgment for amount claimed with costs 33s 6d.

Pukemu AA r elter Handicap.—Blissfulness 1, Red Roh 2, Yankee Dan 3. AVon by-a length and a half. Time 1.31 1-5.

Parcwanui Welter.—Ngata 1, Haversack 2, Admiration 3. AYon by a neck. Time 1.15 2-5.

N gat jaw a. Hack Handicap.—Flying Master 1, Birkie 2, Gallia 3. AVon by a long neck. Time 1.3 2-5-