MAGISTERIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2389, 12 November 1880, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

TIM ARU—THIS DAY. (Before R. Bcctham, Esq., R.M., and T. W. Hall, Esq., J.P.) DISMISSED. Robert Ingram Boycs and Arthur Boyes, two very young lads, were charged with the larceny of fowls, of the value of Bs, the property of Thomas Cooper. In reply to His Worship, the boys said that a boy named Parsons had given them permission to take the fowls. Inspector Pender said he believed that there was some truth in what the boys stated, and that the fowls had been taken in consequence of a misunderstanding. His Worship said that this being the case he would strike the ease out altogether. The little boys then left the Court. ALi.I'XiED J!UIUJEAUV. William Henry Osborne find John Drayton were charged on remand with breaking into a store in Church street, and stealing goods of the value of £2O. Mr Hamerslcy defended the accused ; Inspector Pender c>inducted the prosecution. Austin Kirby, detective, recollected going on Oct. 13, to Sims’ old store in Church street. Mr Partridge and Mr Duthim accompanied him. The front door, of the store was partly open, and so was the back door. The door of the bond room inside the building was locked, and a bar of. iron was across it. Entered and found a large packing case broken open, and a quantity of things lying on the hour, consisting of watch cases, jewellery cases, Ac. Mr Partridge m ule a list of the tilings found in the store on the spot. [The whole of the articles on the list were here produced.] Went on November <t to the accused Osborne’s bouse There found the property produced, consisting of jewel boxes, a German silver instrument, books, and other things. The two trays found in the store (produced) litted into the jewel case found in Osborne’s house. Arrestpd the accused Osborne on Sunday last on the present charge, lie made no reply in answer to it. lie was wearing

a leather strap similar to those found in the store. Saw the accused Drayton on the morning of November G at Mr Witt’s bakehouse. Asked him to show him his watch; lie said hehadleft it at home. Accompanied him to his lodgings in Church street, and on the way lie said he had picked up the watch one evening five weeks previously. By Mr Hamersley—Osborne kept a boardinghouse. The store (formerly in the occupation of Sir F. A. Sims) was some months ago in charge of the bond. He remained there for about two months. Believe that Drayton gave information to the police about the bond stofe. A boy of Mrs Osborne’s was sent to the Reformatory about five weeks ago for stealing some things from Mr Witt’s shop wnich adjoined the store. Was aware that a silver watch similar to the one produced was found some weeks ago planted in a hedge near St. Mary’s Church by one of the bard labor gang. The bond door was locked and the key of the padlock was handed to witness by Mr Fergnsson of the National Bank, Have had a conversation with the boy Osborne about this case.

H. Duthim, Clerk at the National Bank, Timaru, produced invoices, &c,, of goods stored in Church street. The goods were passed into bond on August 8,1879. On Oct. 28 visited the store and found the doors unlocked.

J. T. Partridge was in the habit of sending Home for goods from Negrctti and Zambra, and other firms. Ordered some goods about March, 1879 from Negretti’s. They or some portion of them arrived in due course about August following. There were five cases, which were placed in Sims and Co.’s bond. Three cases remained there and two witness cleared at the Customs, and removed to his own premises. The three that remained were marked 9, 10, and 11. The National Bank should have possession of the bonded goods. The bond was closed as a bond in May, and remained as a free store. The goods were all right in May. Went to the bond recently with Kirby, and found the bond in a litter with goods strewn about the fioor, some of them in a damaged condition. The doors of the bond were open. A case, similar to the one produced, was mentioned in the invoice. The goods in the three cases were worth about £l3O.

Hurry Curling, a boy aged 13, stated that tlio accused Osborne was bis stepfather. Visited the store on one occasion will) biiu. A big box was lying open, and some things were lying on the Jloor, Osborne took away some rules that were there. Osborne also showed witness some stones and asked him if they were his. Witness said they were not, and the accused said he would keep them until witness’ little brother came, and ask him if they were his. He said he had got them down the cellar underneath the bond. Accused afterwards said that he would take them back to where he found them. James Finlayson gave to the effect that 0 ray ton told him he had found a watch which he intended advertising besides giving information to the police. [Left sitting.]