RESSIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3006, 3 October 1878, Page 2

RESSIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. ;■ (Before W. Fraser, Esq., 8.M.) IAECENT. 5 Te Aira, a native girl, aged about eight years, was charged with stealing from the dwelling house of one Mary Bruce, at Thames, on the 2nd October, a purse containing £118s cash and a small box of trinkets, valued at 10s, the property of the said Mary Bruce. Mr E. W. Puckey was sworn to act as interpreter. : ■, Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mary Bruce, sworn, deposed—l reside in Willocghby street, and do a little needle work. Yesterday the defendant, a native woman, and a girl came to me, and the woman bought 10s worth of artioles from me. She paid me a one pound note, and I gave her lOs change. I put the note in my purse, and the woman and the other girl went away, the defendant remaining for about an hour. There was a lady's companion on the table. I was sitting on a chair, and the defendant sitting beside me. From the shape of my pcoket she could have easily taken my purse. She went away* and I missing my purse followed her, and found her with the money and also the lady's companion. I seized her and took the money and- box from her, when she managed to slip from me and run away. Constable Day, sworn, deposed—The last witness gave me information of this theft yesterday, and I spoke to defendant, and asked her if she stole the purse and the box. She said she had found the money on the beach, and had bought a purse at Morgan's. She get the box from a Native girl, who was with her when she found tbe money. She also said she ltd changed a £1 note at Endres' Hotel.

.Henry Endres, licensee of the Shortland Hotel, sworn, deposed—Yesterday afternoon defendant changed a £1 note at my hoieh Sarah Matiu, a little girl, Bworn, deposed—l did not see defendant find a purse yesterday, nor did I give her the lady's companion. The defendant said the other girl did see her find the purse. A JJaiive. in Court said something to defendant, and then she said the girl was not present when she found the purse. ; His.Worship said that he knew the defendant's father Merimana to be a respectable man, and would deal leniently with her if he promised to chastise her. She would have to pay double the value of the articles stolen into CoHrt. Court adjourned. ..