PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 125, 24 December 1915, Page 2

PAPAKURA.

'ALLEGED FOWL STEALING Remanded from Auckland, and. having been in custody for about a week, James Russell Hunter, a very well-known ebaraeter in Papakora, appeared at the Papakora Police Court on Tuesday, before Messrs E. D. McLennan and D. Reid, J.P'e., on a charge of stealing seven fowls, the property of Waiter Callis.

Banter pleaded not guilty to the charge. Walter Callis said on the evening of 13th November his fowls were all right but on tbe mornng tollowiing six hens and a black Orpington rooster had vanished. He bad had fowls stolen from him about a year and a bait ago. He had lost fowls before Hunter came to Papakurt.

Mrs Meryick deposed that Hontar offered to a:ll her some fowls on Mouday, November 15th. Be offered her two fowls for a "half dollar." She refused to buy, and he stated that he would have to get some flour to keep them, otherwise th e y would go bad. He bad several parcels in his possession that day.

Hunter would not give evidence* but made a statement that he n *d been "get-at-able" since tbe lEjth November, contrary to what Con? atable Waugh aaid. It was nothing tor him to carry parcels, because he used to bring bis washing op to his mother.

Constable Waugh: He is not giving evidence, your Worships. Hunter: No; I'm not going to give evidence, because I know what would come out of it. You'll tax me with my previous convictions. Have you got the list made outY Hunter, continuing, said that ha could have been served with a summons as he had been up and down Queen street many times since the date in question. Mr McLennan: If you don't keep fowls, how could you sell them?

Banter: I never said 1 had them, and if I did a man will do anything when he is half drunk. A list of previous convictions was produced, Hunter saying that these were when he was a "kid,' He was nineteen when last convicted.

Tba Justices said, that there was no drect evidence that accused bad stolen the fowls, although the cir? cumstances were auspicious. They would give bim the benefit of the doubt and discbarge him with I caution.