FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 1888.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 311, 27 October 1888, Page 2

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 1888.

[The charge against Laurence was reRUined to-day instead of Monday, as had boon previously decided upon.] Police v. Ed. D. Laurence, on remand from the 24th inst. The accused stated to the Bench that ho wished to withdraw his plea of guilty as to his intent to defraud, as at the time he signed the cheques he fully expected money to meet them. The Bench said he could not withdraw his plea. The accused then stated his son was present and would prove ho had money due to him. Sergeant Emerson stated th« circumstances of the case, rcfeiring to tho fact that althongh only one charge had been brought against him, yet a number of other cheques had been issued which were valueless. For tho prosecution the following evidence Avas taken :—: — John Winstone, agent for the Bank of New Zealand, at Te Aroha, stated the defendant had no account at the B:vnk. Three of the other cheques mentioned by the police were drawn on the Bank at Te Arohaj and the others on the Union Bank of Australia. The cheques passed-through his hands about ten days ago and they were all returned dishonoured. Defendant : Did I not receive some money through your Bank between An gust and September last ? Witness • You received several sums varying from L 5 to LG on various occasions. John Hart, grocer, stated that ho believed now that the defendant was the woise for drink when he came to him on Sunday night. Witness said if the amount was paid owing he would not press the charge. Richard Laurence, son of the accused, said Mrs Laurence leceived half-yea ily dividends, and that she wioto to the accused in June last (letter produced) stating that a portion of the amount would soon be sent to him thiough the Bank of New Zealand. Tho Bench, in giving their decision, Slid they considered he did not issue the cheques with intent to defiaud, but at the same timo the public must bo protected. They would fine him L 5 amount sum of t it cheque issued, L 2 10s, or in default one month's imprisonment in Mount Eden Gaol . The accused was remanded' until Satur day to obtain tho money.

Larceny : Robert Crawford was charged with stealing from Sydney E M'Kercher, j the sum of LI in tho'Family Hotel ou the night of the 21st inst. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor slated he laid the inforraatio n on the statements of a hid named Charles Cox, son of Mrs Thomson of the Family Hotel. Chas. Cox gave evidence respecting the prisoner's conduct at the Hotel, The Bench sentenced him to one month's imprisonment with hard labour in. Mount Eden Gaol, Albert Ellisdon, for assisting and bett ing Crawford in the offence, was sentenced to a like term of imprisonment

This afternoon, commencing at one o'clock, Mr J. S. Buckland wiJl hold an auction sale at Messrs Bradley and Co.'s stables. A number of good hacks, heavy draught mares and geldings, coaching horses, etc., are to be desposed of. The weather during the past few days has been much il keeping with Captain Edwin's stock predictions, f 4 being very cold and stormy. On Wednesday a slight thunderstorm passed over the township, accompanied by very heavy rain. Those that keep poultry and have more eggs than they require, may dispose of same toMr^J. A. Cochrane, of the Farmer's Produce Store. Mr Cochrane also requires a quantity or onions. Two more parcels of ore from the Montezuma mine have been forwarded to Auckland, where they will be tested by Mr J. A. Pond. Tho lad Fa rr ell. who sustained an injury to his collarbone on Saturday last through a kick from a horse, is now rapidly im praying, and will soon be able to get about again. Mr MclCeo's son is also recovering fiom tho wound in his throat received whilst climbing a tree last Sunday week-