A PECULIAR CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8359, 20 February 1913, Page 8

A PECULIAR CASE

Press Association. INVERCARGILL, February 19. A farmer named Colin Gerard appeared before Mr Cruickshanks, S.M., to-day on charges of theft, of a motor tyre, four cases of petrol, and a tin of carbide on or about January 9th. Tho goods were tho property ot John Williams, a carpenter. Evidence was given that tho particular tyre concerned was sold to complainant on January 9th, and was missed from his motor shed next morning. Detective Cameron stated that he visited Gerard's place on February sth, and saw the tyre on Gerard’s motor-car. Accused said the tyre had been presented to him by a man whoso name he did not care to give, but later he stated that it was given to him by William Hazlett, a farm labourer at Myross Bush. The detective told Gerard he would have to accompany him to Invercargill, and Gerard went away to tidy himself. The detective heard a window raised and found that Gerard had bolted. Next day accused and his solicitor called at the police station. Evidence was given by Hazlett, who denied that he had given Gerard tho tyre. A witness' for tho defence, Thomas Walker, dairy factory manager, deposed that he stayed at Gerard’s house from tho evening _of January 9th till next morning, arid that Gerard did not leave the house. Accused gave evidence that Hazlett gave him the tyre on February 3rd, stating that he got it in Christchurch. He explained that he cleared out from tho detectives because he did not like the'idea of going into Invercargill in their company. He denied that he and his solicitor had interviewed Hazlett. The witness Hazlett, recalled, seated that Gerard and his solicitor met him at Myross Bush the day after the detectives had been to Gerard’s place, and that Gerard asked him to say that he got the tyre in Christchurch. The case was adjourned, the magistrate stating that he would give the solicitor (Mr H. A. McDonald) an opportunity to disprove the statement, and if it was untrue Hazlett would be committed for perjury.