This Day.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 43, 21 February 1867, Page 3

This Day.

Patrick M'Gavin was fined 10s. and costs, for drunkenness. Thomas Norton was informed against by George Baker, for stealing five £l notes, a half sovereign, and six shillings in silver, from his house, on the 19th inst. The following evidence was given : — George J. Baker said : I reside in the Haven-road, I lost the money on Tuesday night. I had drink, but I was able to transact business. I was lying on the bed, about half-past eight, the money was in my left hand trousers pocket. It was five £1 notes, a half sovereign, and six shillings in silver. I woke at twelve o'clock and missed the money. The prisoner was not there then. I asked the men upstairs if they had taken the money, and one said Tommy had been in. I then gave information to the police, and got the prisoner arrested. There were two other men in the house when I was robbed. It was about two o'clock in the morning when I informed constable Cooper. The prisoner denied having been to my place. The prisoner has worked for me on and off during the last six months. I discharged him on Monday, for getting drunk on Sunday and disgracing himself. I saw him arrested and locked up. He had ss. when he left me. To the prisoner : You had ss. only on leaving my employ. I was on the beach, selling fruit, the whole of Tuesday. I got fighting, I was not drunk. A man called me an informer, and I struck him. I went home when I had done fighting. I called at a public-house and had drink with you. You was not sober. I did not fasten the door when I went home. I slept from half-past eight till 12. The doors were not open. You could have got in through the shop and back doors. They were not locked. lam not certain whether I closed either of the doors. The two lodgers were in bed when I woke up. They can come through the shop if they like. They did not wake me. I sleep in the front shop, and you know the way in at the back. The lodgers can come into the shop as well as you. I always paid you what you earned. I have known you take a sovereign out of my pocket which you said you did for safety. I did not.look into your carpet bag when you left.' Youspent your last fourpence with Mi'. Jasper, and trusted twopence.

Charles Aldon : I know the last witness, having lodged with him for a fortnight. The prisoner was living there till Monday last. On Tuesday night the prosecutor asked me and another lodger if we had taken his money. We said no one had been there but Tommy. Baker told us he had lost his money. He fetched two policemen and said he had seen the prisoner and found two notes in his possession. I heard the prisoner ask for bread and soup, and he went into the shop to rouse Baker and get it.

To the prisoner : I did not see you, but I knew your voice when you answered me. I have not been bribed by Baker to take a false oath. I know not if he was asleep. He was not when I went tombed. The side door was left open. I heard you come in and asked who was there. I heard you try to rouse Baker, but I took no further notice of it. You used to sleep in the shop. I sleep over it. I heard John come in, but I can't say at what time or whether he came through the shop. He has been there only a night or two.

Henry Jasper: I know the prisoner, he was at my house on Tuesday afternoon. He asked me for two half-pints of beer, he had only a fourpenny piece, and I trusted him with twopence. I can't say if you had more money in your pocket. I can't say if I have trusted you when you had money in your pocket. I trusted you a shilling for a dog's collar.

Constable Thos. Cooper : On Wednesday morning the prosecutor reported to me that he had been robbed in his house, and said he suspected the prisoner. I took him into custody, aud found upon him two £l notes, a half-crown, two sixpences, and a penny, which I now produce. He denied having been in the prosecutor's house the previous night.

Baker was recalled , and said there was one note he could recognise, but he could not identify the rest.

Constable Cooper to the prisoner : When I arrested you, you said you had two £1 notes.

The Magistrate said he would like to have the notes looked after, to see if they could be traced. Under those circumstances he should remand the prisoner till Saturday morning.

The prisoner said he had possessed one of the notes since the day of the gardens.

The Magistrate replied he should be happy to learn that the prisoner came honestly by the notes, bnt at present the case looked suspicious against him.

The day of nomination of candidates for the office of Superintendent has been fixed, by the Returning Officer, for Monday, the 4th March. The polling will take place on the 28th March.

The steamer Wallaby was launched at high-water this morning. She looks well now she is restored to her proper element. It will take a week or two to finish the internal fittings and decorations, after which a good account may be expected of the smart little steamer which has been so promptly and efficiently repaired.

The Coroner has received a reply to his communication to the Law Officers of the Crown, in reference to the legality of the course taken by himself, in causing an inquest to be held on the body of the child who died sometime ago in Nelson Gaol, and was buried without an inquest being held. It appears that the acting Gaoler followed regulations which are not now in force ; and the Coroner is informed that they did not render unnecessary the action he thought it his duty to take in the matter.

The good people of Motueka have resolved to hold their 25th Anniversary fete on the 7th of March, when great doings are expected to take place in the shape of processions, dinner, sports, and fireworks.

On return of the Wellington steamer from the excursion trip, the cricketers and excursionists severally presented a testimonial to the captain and officers, expressing their satisfaction with the treatment they received. Similar satisfaction was expressed with the arrangements of the Company, and the hope entertained that such opportunities of keeping up friendly intercourse with the people on the other side of the Strait would be frequently offered. A Graziers' Association has been established at Rangitikei, and proposes to hold periodical agricultural shows. Judge Boothby has received a letter from the South Australian Government, informing him that a commission has been issued to his Honor Judge Hanson, instructing him to preside at the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court.

A contract has been entered into by the General [Government for the erection of telegraph posts between Masterton and Castle Point; It is expected that before very long communication "will be thus opened as far as Napier, and ultimately to Auckland.