A HINDU INTERPRETER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19994, 11 January 1927, Page 10

A HINDU INTERPRETER.

CONSIDERED UNSUITABLE. A CASE ADJOURNED. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, January 10. Because he considered that a Hindu who swore he would translate the English language into the Hindustani language and vice versa was unsuitable, Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Police Court this (homing stood down a case to secure the services of a better man. ’ The case was one in which Ceorge Bottles, aged 22, a coloured man, was charged with stealing £7, the property of a Hindu by the name of Nama Khana. Through the interpreter Khana stated he worked at Pakuranga and came into Auckland for tho Christmas and New Year celebrations. On New Year s Eye he was in a house in Grey street. He had taken some liquor, in all about six or seven chinks. Accused was in tho house, and there was some music and some singing, in which several Americans and the accused took part. Bottles pulled witness out of the room and down the “house stepladder (meaning the stairs), and took the wallet out of his pocket, but later replaced it. ■ That was about 8 p.m. At 2 a.m. the following morning, when he looked in his wallet tor the money he found that a £5 note and two singles were missing. He had no occasion to go to his wallet between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. . When Mr Dickson, who appeared for Bottles, started to cross-examine Khana through the interpreter, things became very much involved. ... , “Stand the case down till to-morrow morning.’’ said Mr Hunt. “The -interpreter is no good. Ido not know whether the witness or tho interpreter is giving evidence.” Mr Dickson: 1 do not think that either is anv good—to me anyway. Senior Detective Hammond, who prosecuted, stated he had a very good interpreter but he was a witness in the case, and in fairness to Mr Dickson ho did not wish to call him. ... Tho case was then adjourned until tomorrow morning. In the meantime an effort will bo made to obtain the services of an ex-Indian army officer who speaks Hindustani well.