MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 385, 18 July 1877, Page 2

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

THIS DAY. (Before T. \V. Parker. Esq., 11.M.) STEALING A POTATO FORK. John Tennant, on remand from Dunedin, was charged with having, on or about the 24th May last, at Boundary Greek, stolen a potato fork if the value of 7s. 6d., the property of Charles Jackson and another. Sub-Inspector Smith prosecuted. The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty. A quantity of evidence was taken, mowing that" the owner of the fork in question had been employed digging potatoes at Papakaio, and that the fork was afterwards concealed in a gorse hedge, prisoner and a man named Truman being prtsent at the time. A day or two afterwards, on prosecutor going to look for it, t::e fork had disappeared, and was afterwards found at the blacksmith's shop of Mr. Tiiompson at Papakaio. On Mrs. Tiiompson being called, for the purpose of proving the purc.iase of the fork from the prisoner, she did not appear. Sub-Inspector Smith then asked for a remand, in order that the Police might bring Mrs. Thompson into town. It was pretty clear that there was now apparently a desire not to press the charge. Both the prosecutor and the lad Boreham had known a great deal more of the matter some time since than they did now. It appeared very much as though Tennant had arranged matters. Tne prosecutor then said that he did not think Tennant was so much to blame in the matter as the man Truman, who he believed to be the perpetrator of the theft. Tne case was then remanded until tomorrow morning at half-past 10 o'clock. RECENT FIKE AT THE TOWN BOUNDARY. William Collins was charged with having, on the 6th inst., wilfully set fire to a house belonging to him, and situated at the North Town Boundary. Mr. Balmer conducted the prosecution, and Mr. O'Meagher appeared for the accused who pleaded Not guilty. Thomas William Hislop was called, and gave evidence similar to that given by him at the Coroner's inquiry. On being cross - examined by Mr. O'Meagher, witness said that when he | saw the glare he did not raise auy alarm | of fire, because he did not think it would do any good. The first thing that sug- |

gested itself to his mind was that Collins had set fire to the house. The reason for his arriving at that conclusion was something which he had heard with regard to the burning of a stack belonging to Collins. He had also heard of the previous lire at the gorse fence near the same house. He had no antagonistic feeling towards Collins, but had always been on very friendly terms with him, and had done him some friendly actions. The further hearing of the case was then adjourned until the 2Gt!i inst., bail being allowed—prisoner in LIOO, and two sureties of LSO each.