MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1921, Page 1

MAGISTRATE'S COURT, HOKITIKA

THURSDAY, MAY 26th

(Before H. W. Bundle Esq., S.M.) WANDERING CATTLE. Borough Inspector (Mr Park) v. C. .T. Nightingale, adjourned charge of allowing two cows to wander. Mr Park stated the plea of not guilty had been withdrawn. Fined 10s and costs 7s. Borough Inspector (Mr Park) v. T. Coyle, a charge of allowing 4 cows to wander. Fined 15s and costs 7s; same v. J. Coyle, 1 cow, fined 10s and costs 7s; T. Stopforth, 2 cows, fined 20s and costs 7s; W. White, 1 liorse(2 charges), lined 10s and costs 7s, second charge dismissed; J. Duncan, 1 horse, fined 10s and costs 7s. IN CHARGE OF HORSE. Police v. J. Manzoni (Mr Murdoch') a charge of being in charge of a horse while under the influence of liquor. Counsel pleaded guilty, and explained the circumstances of a recent escapade in Revell Street, where lie was thrown from his horse and seriously injured. Sergt King stated that defendant had galloped up Revell Street, and meeting a motor car at the corner of Stafford Street, pulled the wrong rein and the horse and rider went into the shop where the rider struck the top of the doorway and was knocked unconscious. Arthur J. Willmot deposed be saw the defendant in Revell Street. When opposite McGavin’s the horse seemed to shy and went right into Heenan’s shop. Found defendant on the ground unconscious and severely injured. His Worship said this was a serious offence, but as lie had suffered ccm siderable injury lie would make the fine a comparatively light one. He would be fined £2 and costs 16s. INCIDENT ON FOOTBALL FIELD. Police v. John Akers, a charge ot threatening behaviour on Cass Square on May 21. Defendant pleaded guilty. A similar charge was laid against William Smith, who pleaded not guilty. Sergt King gave evidence that oa Cass Square on Saturday afternoon, Akers was alongside the barricade, when a lad was barracking and he told him to shut up. The lad did not keep quiet, and Akers gave him a clip on the ear. Then Smith remonstrated and they came to blows. He thought that Akers was the aggressor. Both wer* somewhat under the influence of liquor. Akers in an explanation, said he was under the impression that Smith struck the first blow. Smith said ho was of opinion the circumstances were the di-

rect opposite. His Worship accepted the evidence that Akers was the agressor. In circumstances like these it would he better to settle their difficulties in a quiet spot. Tn this case they allowed the fracas to take place in a public place. The charge against Smith would be dismissed and Akers would be convicted and fined 20s and costs 7s. RAILWAY BYE-LAW BREACH. The Police charged Erank Holmes with selling a railway ticket and he pleaded guilty. Sergt. King stated the defendant bought a ticket for a young lady on the railway station, and she not arriving, lie sold the ticket to another person. The charge had been laid at the request of the Railway Department. Defendant said be was unaware lie could not do as lie bad done. o His Worship said the-defendant had bonafide obtained the ticket, without intention to defraud. A conviction would be recorded, without fine, costs 7s to lie naid. Same v. M. Hackoll, a charge of checking luggage through to Otira, without having a railway ticket. Demid ml pleaded not guilty. Defendant stated she had not given any instructions beyond ordering her luggage to be sent on by train, informing the carrier she was going by motor. She did not order it to be cheeked. His Worship said the trouble in both these eases seems to lie due to a. slackness on the part of those sending the luggage. Under the circumstances the present charge would he dismissed. The ease would serve to point out to the public that they cannot send their luggage by train, checked, unless they are travelling by train. ON LICENSED PREMISES. An offender charged with being on licensed premises (Commercial Hotel) during prohibited hours, for whom Mr Sellers appeared and pleaded guilty, was convicted and fined C2 and cos* 7s. PURE GOODS ACT. E. Varney (Mr Park) v. S. Kortegast, charges of selling limejuiee containing over legal amount of salicylic acid and selling cordials without containing sufficient sugar. Mr Sellers for defendant, admitted the offences, and addressed the Court, outlining the circumstances in mitigation, pointing out that at the time there had been a shortage of sugar. Mr Park pointed out the seriousness of the offence, but ns this was a first offence they would leave it, to the ( omt to decide. The defendant bears a very good character. His Worship said that both these charges were looked on by the legislature as serious. Tt was not a ease for a slight penalty. On the first charge a conviction and fine of £lO and costs 7s would he imposed. On the second charge a conviction and fine of 10s and costs 7s would be inflicted. Cost of analysis 24s Od and counsel’s fee £2 2s also allowed. DEFAULT OF MAINTENANCE. Police v. W. IT. Merrick, a charge of failure to pay maintenance charges. A plea of guilty was entered, defendant stating be was unable to pay. Adjourned for a month, in the meantime a statement of what can be paid * made.

E. M. Henderson (Mr Murdoch) v. A. TC. Henderson, a charge of default of maintenance, which was admitted. Order made for payment of arrears £8 forthwith, in default 7 days; costs allowed £1 Is.

DEBT CASE. State Advances Department v. H. H. Adamson, claim £lO 12s lOd. Judgment for plaintiff with costs 535. FURTHER CHARGES. The Court then proceeded to hear charges of assault at Rimu which was proceeding at the luncheon adjournment.