MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Taihape Daily Times, 1 April 1919, Page 4

MAGISTRATE’S COURT .

(Before Mr. G J. L. Hewitt, S.M.) A sitting of the Magistrate’s uSur? was held at the Taihape Courf tfajs morning. JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT? Borough Council v. Doherty, claim £1 9/; court costs 5/, Bough ton v. Foss, claim £24 12/3; court costs, £1 6/; solicitor's rco £1 1/. JUDGMENT SUMMONS.

Gibbs v. Frank Campbell, claim £27 12/6. Judgment for plaintiff with £1 1/, solicitor’s fee. To be paid within 14 days’; in default seven days. Healey v. Howard, claim £4 16/c, to be paid forthwith or at the rate of seveni 10/ monthly; in default five days.

Shields v. T. Connolly, claim £8 2/. To be paid within seven days; in default seven days’. Solicitor’s fee 10/6. Hussey and Onglcy v. F. Howard, claim £2 14/, to be paid forthwith, or 10/ monthly; in default two days.

Jorgensen v. Olsen, claim £9 14/6 ? solicitor’s fee 10/6; to be paid ini fourteen days; in default seven days. Dalgety and Co., v. Durrant, claim £24 19/6, solicitor’s fee £1 1/. To be paid in fourteen days; in default seven days. ALLEGED THEFT.

A man named Thomas Newall was charged that he stole a horse, isaddle. a bridle, the property of Geo. Wheeler, of Taoroa, and a diamond ring, the property of Miss J? cob sen, of Mataroa. The accused, who pleaded guilty, elected to be dealt with summarily. Sergeant Matthews said the horst? was valued at 100 guineas by the owner, Mr. Geo. Wheeler. It was brought up to Taihapo by accused, who disappeared. Tbje Iborse 'was even-, tually found in the Recreation Ground. The accused admitted his guilt. The saddle and bridle had net been recovered. The diamond ring had been taken from Miss Jacobsen, of Mataroa. Accused said be had thrown it in the river. A censed was a sailor; he does not quite realise bis responsibility, as be appeared mentally below normal, though he recognised right from wrong He had been previously charged with the theft of a saddle and bridle at Wanganui. The Magistrate said it appeared best to give him reformatory treatment, and he was sentenced to two years accordingly. BAD LANGUAGE IN TRAIN. A well-set up young fellow named Houlihan was charged that on February 10th, between Feilding and Marton, he used obscene language on a train

Accused elected to be dealt with summarily.

Sergeant Matthews said accused was a returned soldier, and when travelling on the train refused to produce his ticket when requested hy tnr guard.

Constable Boyle, of Te Awamutu, said ho was travelling on the train on the date in question, and when asked for his ticket accused refused, at the same time using bad language, which could be heard by ladies in the next compartment. It was absolutely the worst language witness ever hear-. In answer to the magistrate, accuse " said he was drunk, and knew nothing about it.

Sergeant Matthews said they knew nothing previously against the accused.

The Magistrate said they could honour a man foi his services to his country, but even in this case drink was no excuse. But in fixing the fine he would give him the benefit of his position as a returned soldier. The fine would be £5, and in response lo a request for time, accused was given one month in which to pay. NO MOTOR LIGHT. Geo Wheeler, for driving a motor car in Taihape without a tail light was fined 10/ and costs. ' THE FRACAS IN MAIN STREET. On Saturday, January 18th, there was a “dust-up” in Main Street, which was fairly strenuous while it lasted. The police brought two men —David Wildman (a Maori) and Albert Walsh — to explain to the S.M. their alleged share in the meleo. Wildman tplcpded not guilty and was represented by Mr. Ongley. Walsh pleaded guilty, under provocation*

Sergeant Matthews said the fracas was a serious one and took place in front of the post office

John Woods said he saw the fight in question. The Maori accused was not the Maori he saw Walsh fighting with..

Constable Sheehan gave evidence that after the melee he saw Wildman, who said lie was in a bar when he was struck In the face hy a man, who followed him out and he had to put up self-defence. Witness said Wildman was not connected in the fight with Walsh. A Walsh said there had been a difference In the hotel through a Maori having had his drink stolen. A Maori called him a “pakcha illegitimate,” and he hit him. On coming our of the hotel he was threatened by

another Maori, and outside there was soon a free fight. The Magistratff said. Walsh would! be fined £2, anf? given a month in, which to pay_ The case against Wildman was not proved, and he was discharged. Several other cases were dealt with, a report of w'hich will appear to-mor-row.