RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5763, 18 September 1879, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Wednesday, September 17. (Before T. A. Mansford, Esq., E.M.) HOnSEBREAKINO. George Brighting waa charged with having feloniously stolen from the dwelling-house of Margaret Myers, at the Upper Hutt, on the 11th inst., the sum of £ls. Prisoner was defended by Mr. Qllivier. The prosecutrix deposed that she was a widow living at the Upper Hutt. The prisoner called at her place on the day of the robbery. He had a bag with him and was hawking. A neighbor made a purchase of a pair of ear-rins*s, and not having the money with her, witness lent it to her. It was 6d. She took it from a tin-box in a chest in the bedroom. A parae was in the tin-box, from which she took out a two shilling piece. There was a pound note in the purse. There was also £ls in the tin-box in sovereigns wrapped in a handkerchief. Last saw that money between 11 and 12 o'clock on the day in question. Did hot leave tha house that day. Any person standing at the outer door could see the chest in the bedroom. As prisoner could not change the coin, witness proposed getting another, when he remarked, " You seem to have plenty of it—did you make it yourself? There are so many bad coins knocking about, and perhaps this may be one." Prisoner left about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Witness locked the chest after taking the money out of it, leaving the fifteen sovereigns iu it. Left the house for an hour at 7 o'clock, locking up the place and taking the key with her. On her return found the front room window open, and the curtain torn. The tin box which had contained the sovereigns was lying on the floor, and the papers were all scattered about. The chest had been broken open. When prosecutrix left the house the window was shut. Did not see the prisoner after he left the place until he was arrested, In cross-examination by Mr. Ollivier witne»s said her four children were at home with her on the day in question. The money in the tin box was rent which she had received. She had had it in her possession for some time. It was for the support of herself and her family until the next rent fell due. Several other witnesses were examined, after which the prisoner was fully committed for trial, bail being Bled at himself in £SO, and two sureties in £25 each. It was not, however, forthcoming