MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1929, Page 6

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

GREYMOUTH, May 21. Vivian Sidney Dalton and Thomas Bernard Giilnoly were each fined os, with costs 10s, at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday for failing to produce a motor driver’s license when called upon by the Inspector at Kumara on April 1. Inspector Sloss stated that Giilooly had said that he had left his license in another suit. Since then he had produced it.

The theft of a cross-cut saw, valued at £2, the property of Jack Brothers, sawmiliers, Kotuku, was alleged against Albert Dense, the date of the saw’s disappearance being given as between December 15, 1928, and January 16. 1929. Mr W. J. Joyce, who appeared for accused, stated that, under the circumstances, he would have to enter a plea of guilty. « Richard Dense was charged with receiving the saw, on 'or about January 25, knowing it to have been dishonestly obtained. On his behalf Mr Joyce entered a plea of not guilty. The saw appeared as Exhibit A in the case.

The evidence in tho “receiving” case was, at the request of Mr Joyce, heard first.

Tho S.M. said he could not convict Richard Dense on the evidence. He appeared to have been absent at Dunedin when the saw was taken by his brother. The prosecution had not proved that he knew the saw was stolen, and the charge of “ receiving ” would therefore he dismissed. With regard to the charge of theft against Albert Dense, he had pleaded guilty, and ho knew he had no right to remove tho saw. Tie would he fined £3. There were no costs.

Having imbibed too Ireely on the night of April 12, Michael O’Brien' created a disturbance on the way home with the result that lie was charged with disorderly behaviour in a public I place. Senior Sergeant Roach stated I that defendant, was walking home along Gilmer Bane about midnight when on passing the house of Airs Phillips lie kicked the wall and also the gate. When interviewed by the police, defendant said he was under the influence of liquor. Defendant had awakened the whole family and they had been obliged to send for the police. Mr W. J. Joyce, on behalf of defendant, stated that having drawn his pay that week-end, defendant had had several drinks. On the way home he had fallen over several tins, and thinking that the people had left them there, and being under the influence of liquor, he became annoyed and kicked them. The -Magistrate fined defendant 10s with costs 10s, and witnesses’ expenses os. .An ' application for time to pay the fine until next pay day was refused.