MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1926, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3th

(Before AY. Meldrnm, Esq., S.M.) AIDING AND ABETTING. The Police charged Edward O'Foo with aiding and abetting Herbert Goodsir in tho commission of a crime, i.e.. illegal possession of opossum skins. Mr Murdoch for defendant, pleaded not guilty. John James Mclntosh deposed bo. bad but at South Hokitika, which be let Edward O’Fee have the use of. He said he wanted it to store benzine. He did not know what he used it for. Dr E. Toichelmann gave evidence that he was the owner of a house at Lake Kallieri. Know Edward O’Fec. About four or five weeks ago, O’Fee said he had some friends whom ho wanted to stay in the house. No name of any particular person was mentioned. Was in the habit id lending the house to visitors. Gave O’Foo the free use of the house.

Herbert Goodsir deposed be was at present residing at Hokitika. He arrived here in tin* last week in I'ebruarv. fame by motor with OMee. Had known him for two years. Brought his luggage by rail. In March O’Fee drove him to Lake Kanieri for the day. Went out to live there about the 9th in O’Fce’s car. O’Feo let liim have Dr Toirhelmaiin’s 'but till the 25th nn condition he did some improvements. Witness had bis traps in a large portmanteau. O’Fec went out once to bring a telegram to witness. In regard to tho but over the river, O'Foo said lie could put bis boxes there. Witness took the skins to the but over the river himself, lie swore O'Fee had no idea that witness was trapping. O’Foo had offered witness a good job for tile opossum season and witness had como over to have a look round. To Mr Murdoch—He knew now that the season here opehed in May.

Constable Drummond gave evidence that on taxing O’Fee with the knowledge thal Goodsir was trapping, he denied it. He admitted flint he had taken Goodsir out to the lake, and hail visited him at night, and taken hint provisions.

His Worship held there was no proof of aiding and abetting. Ihe charge would he dismissed. MAINTENANCE.

An application fdr :jn ° I'd or lor maintenance was dealt with hut dismissed on the grounds of deleudaiit s inability to pay. RESERVED JUDGMENT.

11 is Worship gave his reserved ,judgment in the charge against Amos Dowell of supplying liquor to a youth under 21 years ol ago at the booth at tlje A. and B. Show. Ilis Worship had reserved his decision to look into Ibe law to see if 'lie were legally liable. Ills Worship held the defendant was liable nil the ofii'licc of supplving. lie was not personally guilty A conviction was recorded and a fine of 01 and costs 7s indicted.