COURTS

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 269, 19 August 1872, Page 3

COURTS

POLICE COURT.— Saturday. [Before W FRASER. Est|., R.M.] WILFUL DaI.AGE. William Watson Phillips, a Maori, was charged with breaking a door at Butt’s Hotel, Sliortlaud, on the 15tli instant. Mr Dodd appeared for complainant. Mr Grace officiated as interpreter. Henry En Ires stated that lie is in the employ ot Captain Butt. Dcfen ant was in one of the inner rooms having a door lea .ing into another room. The lower paneis of that door were broken by defendant, who kicked at the door, which was being pressed against on the other side by some Maoris. Defendant admitted that be had broken the door.

Constable Furlong stated that lie arrested the accused, who admitted having broken the door, but said he would pay for it, only be had no money at the time, but lie would make it right next morning. He appeared to understand English. John Butt, landlord of the Shorthand Hotel, staled that defendant admitted in his presence that he had broken the door, as another Maori held it against him. He said he would pay when he had the money. The damage done amounts to about £l. This defendant said was 100 much. He spoke English well enough. For the defence, Billy Williams, a Maori, was called, who said he did not see the defendant break the door. It was another Maori, Teriri, who did it, and he has run away. Matini, another native, also deposed that Teriri was the man who broke the door. Teriri was drunk and wauted to fight. The R.M. said there was no doubt that defendant was guilty, and fined him 4Ua in addition t > the amount of damage, *2os, and costs £3 18s 6*l, in default of payment 7 days’ imprisonment. The money was paid. OBSTRUCTING THE FOOTPATH. Frederick A. Packard was charged with wheeling .a barrow on the footpath in Pollen-street. Mi Bullet) said this was the first case of the kind that had been brought forward. Defendant was fin d Is and costs.