COUPONS CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1931, Page 6

COUPONS CASE

COURT SENSATION

FATHER MOLESTS DAUGHTER.

[By Telegraph, Per Press Association.]

WELLINGTON

, June 24

Quite a sensation was caused at the Magistrate’s Court here during the hearing of a case against two women. It arose when Sub-Inspector Ward, who was conducting the prosecution for the police, told Magistrate Page, that a witness who had given evidence, Mrs Corley, the daughter of Mrs Burton, had, after leaving the Court, been molested by her father, who had said that she had no right to give evidence. He was also reported to have told her that she would suffer for it afterwards. It appeared, he said, that her father, who had been at the back of the Court, had been shaking his fist at her while she was in the witness box. That was perhaps the reason why she had been so reluctant to answer certain questions.

Mr Meltzer, who appeared for Mrs Burton: ‘‘l understand that her father is not the present husband of the accused. They are divorced, I believe.' Sub-Inspector Ward, to Mr Page: “He is in the prisoner’s room, now!” Mr Page: “Have him broughjt here.”

“I got a surprise to see her coming to the Court to-day,” said the girl’s father, when he appeared before the Magistrate; “When she was walking, along to get,in the box, T just put up mv hand.”

Mr Page:. “If what the police say is correct,” you are guilty first of all of contempt of court, for which you are liable to imprisonment. If it is true that you have threatened this girl in any way, you are liable to be charged with an offence indictable under the Crimes Act, for interfering with the conduct of a court of justice. 1 will instruct that, if there is. any evidence of that interference, or of the slightest repetition, I will direct the police to prosecute you.” The father then attempted to make a further explanation, but the Magistrate quickly ordered him to stop.

MRS BURTON SENT FOR TRIAL

WELLINGTON,' June 24

In the cigarette coupons case, after much evidence had been heard, Mr E. Page, S.M., decided that there was a priina facie case against both of the women.

Mrs Burton pleaded not guilty, and she was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Arthur Hev, who was mentioned in the case, as dealing in the coupons, was charged with receiving. The case was adjourned till to-mor-row. .