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Temuka Leader, Issue 2500, 9 May 1893, Page 3

A Difference of Opinion.—At the Dunedin City Police Court recentlyfsays the Otago Daily Times) a boy named Brans - grove, was charged with stealing a pound note from Mr. Lethaby’s shop in the Arcade. When first charged with the offence accused denied it, but on Mr Lethaby suggesting that a policeman should search him in order to see whether he had the note in his possession he ran away. He was pursued, and was subsequently captured, but it was found that he had no money in his possession. After hearing the case the chairman on the bench said : -l There seem to be some discrepancies in the evidence. The bench is not quite satisfied that the pound was taken by the boy, but under any circumstances he had no rijht to run away from the police. lam inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. He will be fined 20b.” Mr Solomon immediately pointed out that though the bench was not satisfied the boy had stolen the pound, yet they inflicted a fine of 20s, The only meaning that could be tiken out of the decision was that the boy was fined for running away; from the police. One of the justices then stated that he was convinced the boy had stolen the pound, while his colleague expressed a contrary opinion. As the bench disagreed counsel for the defence argued that the boy was entitled to an acquittal. After much arguement this course was adopted, and the boy was discharged on the understanding that the police or Mr Lethaby could, if such were considered desirable, lay a fresh information.