Denied He Was the Man

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 35, 11 February 1937, Page 2

Denied He Was the Man

MAORI’S PLEA IN COURT (Special to “Times”) HASTINGS, Feb. 10. A minor mix-up, with talk of “ mistaken identities,” occurred in the Hastings Alagistrate’s Court this morning when, beforo Mr J. Aliller, S.AI., Walter Mackay, a Hastings Maori, was charged with riding a cycle without a light. Mackay said that he was not tho maji, as he was not in the vicinity of the place where the offence occurred. But, “as it’s only my word against the inspector’s,” he said, “I might ns well plead guilty.” The information was laid by Air J. H. R. Semple, traffic officer for the Main Highways Board. When the case was first called the defendant said he might as. well plead guilty, although he wasn’t. “You’re not obliged to plead guilty If you’re not,” smilingly remarked Mr Aliller. When the case resumed, Air Semple said that the defendant was the man whom he stopped for riding a cycle without a light. 44 I’m quite satisfied he is the man,” he declared. “He told me the light was stolen ffom him.” “I thought you were going to plead mistaken identity,” said the Magistrate to Mackay. “That’s what I mean,” replied the defendant. “I was certain that if I came here this morning the inspector would see I was not tho man, but when I came into Court tho inspector stopped me and spoke to me by name, so you can see how useless it is. “Aly bike has an electric light attached to it, and the bike shop will swear that I’ve always had a light on my bike,” he continued. “I was in town, near Lahood’s, at the time when the inspector says he stopped me. I live in Hastings, and I’m certain I wasn’t there at the time.” Mr Semple said that the man had given his address as 4 4 care of Boylands, Napier.” Defendant admitted that this wa* the address of a place where he Had been working before the offence. “Who’s likely to give your name and - address?” asked Mr Miller. 44 1 don’t know. If I knew it would make things a lot easier,” replied the defendant. “It’s only my word against the inspector’s,” he continued when the Magistrate asked him if he «ould bring any witnesses to prove ■where he was at tho time of the offence. “Well, do you want to take this any further?” asked His Worship. “No,” replied defendant. Ho was fined 15/-, costs 10/-. On similar charges Mary Bartlett and Raymond Horton were each fined 15/- with costs 30/-. Lloyd Landsdowne was charged with driving a motor-vehicle while not holding a driver’s licence, on the information of Mr G. R. Beauchamp. Defendant wrote admitting the offence, but said he had since obtained a licence. A fine of £l 10/-, costs 12/-, was imposed.