FINE OF £5

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1928, Page 7

FINE OF £5

FALSE ALARM OF FIRE

DUNEDIN, Sept. 25

“This sort of thine cannot be passed over lightly,” said Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day as he fined Richard Rudder Pledger £5 and costs for causing a false alarm of fire by ringing an alarm at Roslyn. The defendant, for whom Mr W. D. Taylor appeared, was charged also with procuring liquor whilst prohibited. °To both charges he pleaded guilty. Senior-Sergeant Quartermain said that the defendant attended a dance at Wakari with his cousin, and during the return journey, about 12.30 a.m., he deliberately broke an alarm in Roslyn. His. cousin was upset, and laid the information at the brigade station. The defendant was under the influence of liquor at the time. Mr Taylor said that his client, who was thirty-five years of. age, had been gassed at the war, and prior to his return from active service had had a clean record. He was anxious to get away to Roto Roa and break away from drink, which seemed to have possession of him. The Magistrate imposed a fine as stated, and on the second charge defendant was convicted and, in lieu of any other penalty, was ordered to •be detained at Roto Roa Island for a period of twelve months.