OTOROHANGA POLICE COURT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 153, 6 May 1909, Page 5

OTOROHANGA POLICE COURT.

Friday, April 30, 1909,

Before Messrs W. Vicary. C. J. Johnson, and W. Wylie. J*. P.

Edward James Stevens and James West were charged that on or about tbe 11th April they stole one pick, valued at ss, the property of Totai. also one pick, valued at 3*. the property of Hctikia, and one axe. two knives, two forks, one four enamel plates and two mugs, the property of Arai Morgan. Accused pleaded not guilty.

Evidence for ths prosecution was given by Totai. Hctikia Te Kobe and Arai Morgan, that they identified the property recovered as theirs. Also Fred. Eshctby and Thomas Newman gave evidence its to being present when Totai identified some of the property, and that the stolen property ww handed over to them by the two accused when they brcugbt them out on Saturday, the 24th inst. Constable Fraser also gave evidence of recovering the property at the camp that was occupied by the two accused : also the private marks on the picks and axe were the same as the Maoris had given him when they reported the property missing. For the defence Stevens 'gave evidence on his own behalf stating that he brought two picks with him to the work. Would not say that picks recovered at his camp were the ones he took with him. Would not say the Maoris were telling lies when they identified the tools.

David McDonald also gave evidence that when Stevens left Taumarunui he had two picks with other tools as he got the toots for Stevens. Would not say the picks produced were the ones. Witness could identify tools if he had his private marks on them and was using them every day. Could not say tha Stevens had picks when he came to Otorohanga.

George McMillan and William Smith also gave evidence f«r the defence. West decided not to give evidence but made a statercent denying the charge. The Bench convicted and fined both accuesd ten shillings and £5 8s 6d coats on the first charge, and on the second fined them ten shillings each. On the third charge accused were convicted and discharged, tn default of paying fine and costs the alternative was six weeks imprisonment.