RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2607, 17 May 1877, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. ! (BefoiV Jackson Keddell, Esq., R.M.) William Lomas was charged with stealing a horse whip, the property of George Parker, from the Goods' Wharf, | on the 10th inst. I Mr :Macdonald appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Mr Sub Inspector Bullen said he had i made enquiries about,. the case, and had tjeen informed that the whip had been in possession of the mate of a vessel after the plaintiff lost it on the Goods Wharf. He did not know how the whip came into the possession of defendant, and as the mate of the vessel was.absent he would apply to have the information withdrawn.

Mr Macdonald said he appeared for the defendant, not because he had been retained, but because he knew that though the defendant had faults, fowl-stealing was not one of them. The charge was permitted to be withdrawn. : STONE THROWING. Patrick Herk was charged with throwing a stone on the Tararu road, on the 13th instant, to the danger of people passing thereon. Mr Macdonald appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Constable '] atton, sworn, deposed—l am.stationed at Grabamstown. -1 was on the Tararu road on the 13th instant. Thatia in the Borough of Thames. I saw the defendant and two other lads on the hill. The defendant had a sling, and threw two stones, which fell near me. I believe he was aiming at me. I went up , to them, and the defendant threw away the sling. The stones were dangerous to people passing on the road. The defendant told me his name. Immediately afterwards persons complained to me of the stone throwing. I have not the least doubt that this is the lad : that threw the stone.

By Mr Macdonald—l was in the road this side of Waterfall Creek. The defendant was about 100 yards away. I had to go up the creek to get at the lads.. I kept the defendant in sight all the time; It was this boy that had the sling, and he threw it away when I came up. . By Mr Bullen—l was as close as lam to you now when defendant threw the sling away (about three yards).

Mr Macdonald said that the offence as! proved was not the same as in the information. It charged the boy with throwing a stone, when the evidence proved he had not thrown .the stove, but had .discharged it from a sling. ■ His Worship said he was of opinion that the defendant had thrown the stone. Defendant would be fined in the nominal penalty of 5s and costs, or in default, three days' imprisonment. Court adjourned. .