HAVELOCK.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 111, 13 April 1880, Page 3

HAVELOCK.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] April S. The R.M. Court sat on Thursday last, Messrs Dive and Johnson, Justices of the Peace, occupying the Bench, when Ciuvs. Barris was charged under the Vagrancy Act with being unlawfully in an unoccupied house in lnglis street, the property of Air John Bowen, on the previous night, and pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given by Sergeant Hogan and Constable Glacken proving that defendant with three other men were found on the promises, where there was a quantity of shavings, close to a house in course of erection. They also stated that defendant and another of the men were quite drunk, and had a naked candle burning. Mr A. Mills, agent for Mr Bowen —who lived in Pelorus Valley, proved that no permission had been given to defendant. Defendant said he had been invited to stay there by one of the ether men. After a strong caution defendant was sentenced to 48 hours’ imprisonment. On Friday morning the same Bench again sat to hear a similar charge against Donald Macdonald, Robert Whitton, and Andrew Guy, who were found on Thursday evening in the some house as mentioned in the foregoing case. They each pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Hogan deposed that about halfpast ten on the preceding night he met Mr Watts, the contractor for the erection of the new house in Inglis-street, near to the unoccupied house, where defendants were, who told him they had not got permission from him to use it. Constable Glacken deposed that he went to the house about 45 minutes past 10, and found the three defendants there, who were the same men who were there on the previous night. They appeared to he strangers, and lie pointed out the danger of fire resulting from their use of the “premises, where there was a quantity of inflammable material lying about and a candle burning. Mr Mills deposed that lie had not given permission to anyone to occupy the house; he had seen defendants before, but did not know them. George Veils was called for the defence, and deposed that he had asked permission from Mr Watts to occupy the house, and understood that lie gave it, so took possession and invited defendants, who were work ing carpenters like himself, to do the same. The Bench sent the constable to ask Mr Watts to attend, who returned, saying that person had gone down the Sound. The Bench pointed out the impropriety of trespassing on property, and the reason why the law was so severe and designating such persons “ rogues and vagabonds.” Defendants oueiit to have secured the attendance of Mr Watts. As there was just an element of doubt in the case they would dismiss the present case, trusting it would he a caution to them to be quite sure they had leave before doing the like again. At the same time they considered the" police had only done their duty.' The next case called on was a charge against Mr Doreen, the proprietor of Garrod’s Hotel, for not having a light burning in front of his hotel from sunset to sunrise, on the evening following the 7th April. Defendant asked if he could not have the case adjourned, but was asked first to plead After some remarks he pleaded guilty, but urged that for fourteen years they had always lit a candle, and allowed it to turn out. But they were not aware that the law required this, and thought the proceedings harsh and asked the Bench to dismiss the information. The Bench held that an offence known to the law having been proved or admitted they could not dismiss the case ; all they could do was to consider what was urged in mitigation. Defendant evidently knew he had to keep a light burning as he did so ; if candles did not last long enough they should, devise other means that would. That laxity had prevailed so long was no justification and the police were quite right in taking action. The Act fixed the minimum .penalty at £1 and not exceeding £2O. Under the circumstances the lowest fine would be inflicted, with 7a costs.

Mr Fear, of Fear’s Hotel, Mr Hutcheson, of the Masonic, and Mr Bruce, of the All Nations Hotel, appeared to similar charges, and pleading guilty were each fined £l, with 7s costs.

Sergeant Adams, late in charge of the Police station here has been ordered to remove to Auckland, .very much against his wishes, and Sergeant Hogan of that city has already assumed charge here. He at once inaugurated his arrival by the foregoing charges, and as the worthy Sergeant has the reputation of being a smart officer and remarkably steady, there is a probability of his being heard of occasionally. I do not insinuate that Havelock needs much straightening up, but I have heard one or two make remarks which showed they preferred their own sweet will to anything like police supervision. There was a great stir at Canvas Town on Thursday evening, when there was an immense gathering of young folks form all the country round to assist in the birthday celebration of a fair young lady. Havelock in particular was;quite deserted, and when they turned up early on Friday morning on their return they sang pams of praise in regard to the hospitality shown bv Mr Wilson. Some of them said they had been dancing all night, and such a joyous occasion they never before attended. The Stella paid us a flying visit early on Thursday morning, bringing Captain John-

son, of the Marine Department, and M r G. S. Cooper, Under-Secretary, for the purpose of inspecting the harbor and channel. They sailed again by the turn of the tide hack to Wellington. Messrs Cotter, Ellis, ami two others are going to try their luck at Flat Creek diggings tiffs Vf'cck; The well known prospector, Air Moot'd, from Vt eflington, is at present at Dead Horse C reek, VS> ak-aftlarina. He lias struck a reef and partly developed it: He is at present cutting across the line of reef find is very sanguine as to the success of the venture. It is worthy of note that notwithstanding the dull times, that during a f/e’fiod of five days, i.e., from Wednesday, Alarm! 31st to April sth inclusive, a sum exceeding £OO was taken at the Town Hall for the five entertainments which took place there tho first being a local affair, and the others being those of tiie Gaiety A ariety Troupe.