OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1919, Page 3

OPUNAKE.

(From Out Own Correspondent.) At the S.M. Court on Thursday, before Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., the licensee of the Opunake Hotel (Mr. Walshe) was defendant in two charges of supplying liquor on Sunday, April 13, contrary to the licensing laws. A. J. Crawford, E. and W. Dudley were nbvo charged by the police with being on licensed premises on Sunday, April 13, without rightful excuse. Mr. O'Dea defended all charges. Evidence was given by Constable Clouston that he visited the hotel, and found the defendants upstairs in the parlor having a game of cards; also a half-gallon measure with a small quantity of beer in it, and fivo glasses, recently used. The evidence of witnesses! was to the effect that they I were the guests of the licensee and his j particular friends, and the first witness (a taxi-cab driver) was there under orders) from the licensee to go to Stratford. The second witness regularly, every Sunday, took pickled pork to the hotel, and the third witness frequently came into Opunake and stayed the Sunday at the hotel for meals.' His Worihip stated that he had his doubts, but the evidence was not strong enough to I convict.

A. J. Crawford was charged with throwing a stone on April 10 in the main street, to the danger of passers-by, and particularly to the Rev. Strand. Evidence was given by witnesses; that p. stone was thrown, but in a very mild manner, and not to the danger of passersby, as no one was hit, and the Rev. Strand did not notice the stone. His Worship dismissed the charge. Mr. O'Dea defended.

In the case A. H. Henderson (Mr. Gow) v. W. Jordan (Mr. Marshall), plaintiff claimed £8 12s for work done, and the defence was that an agreement had been entered into to do the work for £0 ss, and that amount had been paid. Defendant counter-claimed for £7 125.for milk and potatoes supplies and cartage of furniture. His Worship gave judgment for the claim, and allowed £2 on the counter-claim. In the counterclaim the court expenses were £3 IBs. The Inspector of Noxious Weeds (Mr. Barry) preferred charges: against Wharepoiou (husband and wife) for failing to clear ragwort from off their sections in the Parihaka Block. The defence was that they were not occupiers, and the court adjourned the eases until next eourt day. A youth named Gibson claimed £lO 12s for wages duo from A. Crawford. Evidence was given by the lad that the only money he received was Ss. nnd defendant's evidence was that he had at odd times paid £4, but this was denied by the youth. Evidence was given by C. HVoolford (the boy's; uncle) that he loaned the boy to Crawford, which was | corroborated by defendant. The work 1 the boy did was to strip 70 cows night and morning and harrowing and discing. Neither adult witnesses thought' the hoy was.' worth his tucker. His Worship allowed 15s per week and court costs ?* Cs. The footballers' dance on Wednesday evening was a social success. The secretary (Mr. Macßeynolds) is to be complimented. A large number of persons went from Opunake to the returned soldiers' welcome at Oaoimi. There was a record attendance, the hall being packed. Messrs Young and R. Malcolm, on behalf of Oaonui. heartily welcomed home the returned soldiers, and Papa did likewise on behfilf of the Native population. Each of the returned men was given a medal.

On Saturday a good practice match took place, and a collection was made for the Mynott Fund. Nothing beyond the ordinary was shown by the players in the game. '