MAGISTRATE’S COURT HOKITIKA

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1922, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT HOKITIKA

THURSDAY, MARCH 2nd

(Before Wm. Meldrum Esq., S.M.)

LICENSING ACM 1 . The policy charged three local residents with being on licensed premises (Central Hotel) without la,wful excuse. Two were convicted and ordered to pay costs 7s and the third convicted and fined 20s and costs 7s, The Police charged a prohibited person with .breaking the order by procuring liquor. Convicted and fined £1 and costs 7s; on a second charge he was convicted and ordered to pay costs 7s. DEFENCE ACT. ’ For failure to render personal service under the Defence Act, P. B. Xirwah, F. Pfalilert and J. A. Kidd were convicted, the first and last named to pay costs 7s, and the second named to pay £1 and costs 7s DEBT CASES.

Hokitika Harbour Board v. Johanna Kirwan, claim £1 4s 6d. Judgment for plaintiff with costs 12s.

Hallenstein Bros v. Open Mason, judgment summons £4 11s 9d; order made for payment within 7 days, in default 7 days’ imprisonment. A DEFENDED CASE,

Police v. J. L. Fowler (Mr Murdoch) a charge of failure to admit the police without unnecessary delay to Central Hotel. A plea, of not guilty was entered. Sergt. King appeared for the police. Constable Straffan gave evidence that about 11.36 p.m. on 13th February he heard loud voices in the Central Hotel. He knocked at the door and the voices stopped. The door was not answered. Knocked again 5 minutes later, and the r r oice of the licensee asked who was there. Replied “the police.” Heard a shuffling of feet and whispering in the passage leading to the yard. Was admitted to the hotel by the licensee four minutes later. Went into the (back yard and found two men there, Came back to the parlor, and asked the licensee why witness was not admitted immediately he knocked, and he replied that lie did so as soon as ho could. Four minutes elapsed from the time the licensee answered him till lie was admitted.

For the defence the evidence of J. L. Fowler, Lawson (a boarder) and two otners was to the effect that Lawson beard the knock and asked who was there. On the reply of the police lip went and informed the licensee, who at once vAuib and opened the door. The two men found in the back yard stated they had not entered the hotel and the licensor stated lie had not seen them till alter the entrance of the constable. 'I re Magistrate accepted the ’evidence for the defence and dismissed the charges. CHARGES DISMISSED. A charge against P. Cut bush of 1 .'leaking a v. indow in the Town Hall was heard. After hearing the evidence

of 0. Borton for the prosecution and defendant and Harvey, the .Magistrate dismissed the charge.

A charge against B. Dowell ol causing a disturbance by tinkettling, was heard and the Magistrate dismissed the ease.