MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1921, Page 2

MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

(Before C. R. Orr-Walker, Esq., S.M.) STAMP ACT. Police v. It. Ritchie, failure to stamp a voucher for £5 money received. Dismissed, owing to evidence of signature Hot being available. LICENSING ACT. Five residents of Woodstock were charged with being on licensed premises during prohibited hours (Royal Mail Hotel, Woodstock) at 7.30 p.m. on March 28th- One defendant (A. Muir) appeared and pleaded not guilty, as he had an excuse for being present. Constable Evenden gave evidence that be visited the Royal Mail hotel, Woodstock, at 7.30 p.m. Saw defendant and four other men iii the billiard room behind the bar. Baker in charge of the hotel, was present. Had to knock at the door, which was locked, to gain admission. Muir made no explanation. To defendant—Had seen defendant a previous evening and had been asked to collect for sports, hut had refused, being too busy. Was not asked by defendant at the hotel to help with the collecting book to see what was collected..

The defendant, A. Muir, gave evidence that he was at the hotel when the Constable came in. He had been appointed to canvass for the children’s sports. He had seen Constable Evenden a few evenings before and had asked him to assist in collecting, but he had not been able to do so. On the night in question he went into the hotel to give to the Chairman of Committee the list of collections. Just after the Constable came in. Witness told him what he was doing. The Constable said he would hear more of it.

To Sergt King—He locked the door when lie went in. Hgd seen Constable Evenden coming down the hill just before. The Committee met in the school room. He thought he had grounds for going into the hotel for the purpose he had gone. He had had several drinks during the afternoon. His Worship said he was not satisfied that the defendant was not there in a breach of the law. Defendant and the other four would he convicted and,fined 40s and costs 7s each.

Two defendants charged with being on licensed premises (Marquis of Lome Hotel) on Sunday, April 3rd, about 9.30, did not appear and were convicted and each fined 40s and costs 7s. Another defendant charged with being on licensed premises (Dunedin Hotel) on 10th April, at 11.30 a.m., did not appear. Convicted and fined 40, and costs CYCLING ON A FOOTPATH. Borough Inspector (Mr Park) charged. A. Howe with riding a bicycle on a footpath in Hampden street, contrary to the Borough bye-laws. Defendant did not appear. Convicted and fined 5s and costs 7s.

On simitar charges, Win Hall, junr., (Hampden street), Theo Lynch (Hampden street), F. Delore (Hampden street'! Wm Goodfellow (Sale street) were convicted and lined -5s and costs 7s. WANDERING CATTLE. The Borough Inspector (Mr Park) charged the following with allowing cattle to wander, convictions being recorded aiul fines inflicted as stated: S. Kortegast, 2 horses, 10s and costs 7s ; E. Preston, 1 horse, 10s and costs 7s ; W r . Jeffries, 1 1 orse, 10s and costs 7s; T. Devaney, 2 « ;:v. s, 10s and costs 7s; W. White, 1 horse, 10s and costs 7s; second offence 10s and costs 7s; H. Sweney, 2 cows, 10s and costs 7s ; T. Stopforth, 1 horse, 10s and costs . is; also J horses, 10s and costs 7s; also 2 cows, conviction only entered on this, thethird charge ; G. W 7. Dale, 1 horse, 10s and costs 7s; Jas. Duncan, 1 horse, 10s and costs 7s; second charge 10s and costs 7s; R. Daly, 2 cows, 5s and costs 7s; W T . Pascoe, 1 horse, 10s and costs 7s; second offence, 10s and costs 7s; T. Staines, 1 cow, 10s and costs 7s; further offence, 10s and costs 7s ; P. ! Kirwan, 1 cow, 5s and costs 7s; H. But- j land, 1 cow, 10s and costs 7s ; T. Coyle, j 2 cows, 10s and costs 7s; C. J. Nightin- j gale, 1 horse. Defendant pleaded the; horse had just escaped from control when the Inspector appeared. Explanation accepted of technical offence only. Conviction recorded, costs 7s to he paid. DEBT CASES. I). Spence (Mr .Murdoch) v. T. -Mills, claim £5 3s Id. Judgment for plaintiff , with costs 34s fid. 1 W 7. McKay and Son, v. M. K. Payne, j claim £4 10s Id. Judgment for plain- J j tiff with costs 14s. i f JURY LISTS.

The Jury Lists for the district were placed before bis Worship for revision and approval, and were duly certified to.