RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2545, 22 August 1893, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Temuka—Monday, August 21th, 1893.

I Before J. T. M. Hayhurst and M. Quinn, Esq’s., J.P’s.] David Miller was charged with on the 14th day of May, 1893, obtaining the sum of £2 lls 3d from Michael Scaunell by false pretences.

Prisoner, who elicted to be dealt with summarily, pleaded “not guilty.”

M. Scaunell, licensee of the Wallingford Hotel, said that on the 14th day of May accused came to him and asked him for change of a cheque. The cheque was for £l7. drawn by J. Morrison on a bank at Roxburgh. The cheque was, he said, for wages due. Declined to cash it, but on accused representing lhathe was going to work for Mr Findlay, he advanced him a pound, the balance was to pay off an old score. Later on he stated that he had been boarding with Mr Taylor, who would think it strange if he did not call upon him, and asked for another £l. Told witness to pay the cheque into his account, and he could get it returned. The cheque was presented and returned with a statement that nobody of that name was known at Roxburgh. J as. Findlay knew accused, who had been working for him at the time the cheque was presented to Mr Scaunell. Had been spoken to by accused about work. Did not offer to employ him after May 14th. Remembered seeing accused at the Wallingford Hotel. He was sober. E. Herbert, manager of the Bank of New South Wales, Temuka : The cheque produced came into the hands of the bank on May 15th. It was returned on the 20th, marked “no account,” not known in Roxburgh. M. Scanuell re called in reply to the bench said accused • had left Temuka when the cheque was returned. Afterwards received a letter from Geraldine from accused telling him not to bother about the cheque as he would pay him. Would not have lent him any money. Accused, sworn, said : On the 14th May I went to the Wallingford Hotel and played a few games of billiards. I asked Mr Scaunell to lend me a pound, and told him I had a cheque which I could not make use of, and showed it to him over the bar. Later on asked for some more,when Mr Scaunell said he would take charge of the cheque. On the following day asked for the cheque, but Mr Scaunell would not give it to me. Asked again on the following day, but did not get the cheque. On Monday morning went to Mr Findlay to ask him for work, as I heard he wanted a man. Mr Findlay was away. Went back to Mr Scanuell, who had left. Went afterwards to Christchurch and got work and wrote to Mr Scanned, telling him I would pay what was due to him. Afterwards was on the point of sending down £2 to Mr Scannell when I was arrested and charged with having another man’s watch in my possession. By the constable * I left Temuka on Monday and went to Orari, Did not pay for my board. Was invited there as a guest. I went to Rangitata and stayed there. Did not pay for my board there. Went afterwards to Haurorata and was arrested there under- the name of David Mathieson Morrison. My real name is David Morrison Miller.

By the Bench: Had the cheque in Roxburgh three weeks before the 14th May; wrote it out myself without any design of passing it off on anybody. I was then under the influence of’drink.

The Bench found accused guilty, and sentenced him to 6 mouths’ imprisonment with hard labour.