MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3178, 1 May 1909, Page 5

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

MASTERTON—FRIDAY. (Before Mr C. (J. Graham, S.M.) Charles Malone, a second offending inebriate, was fined 10s, in default 48 hours' imprisonment. Three statutory first offenders were also fined ss, in default 24 hours imprisonment. James Andrew, William Pennystrong, William Taylor, Fr« d I'enge, George Wishart, were each fined lGs and 7s costs for having ridden bicycles without lights between sunset and sunrise. Martin Kerins was charged with driving a vehicle without a light. There was no appearance of defendant, who was represanted by Mr R. K. Jackson, and after hearing evidence by Constable Brown, His Worship imposed a fine of 10s and 7s ! costs. Similar charges were preferred i against James Dawson and James Alpass, and fines of 10s and 7s costs were inflicted in each case. George Stockdale pleaded guilty to I a charge of furiously driving a horse i attached to a vehicle in a public place. Defendant explained that he was endeavouring to overtake another vehicle, which had been taken out of the stable in mistake. A fine of 20s and 7s costs was imposed.

A local resident was charged with having been on licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order. Accused, who was represented by Mr C. A. Pownall, stated that he was merely carrying on a business conversation with a resident of the town in the doorway of the Occidental Hotel. Counsel stated that defendant in acting as he did had only committed a technical breach of the law. His Worship held that defendant ought to have known better, and imposed a nominal penalty of 10s and 7s cotss. A married woman was charged with having procured liquor during the currency of a prohibtiion order. She was represented by Mr K. K. Jackson. The defendant's child, aged about eight years, was also brought before the court, and Sergeant Miller asked if it were advisable that the Child should be in the keeping of the woman. After evidence had been called, his Worship said that the offence was too serious to be overlooked, and if defendant continued her intemperate habits the child would be taken away from her altogether. He hoped it would be a warning to accused, as she was liable to a severe fine if she were again brought up on a similar charge, A fine of 40s and 9s 6d costs was imposed.

An elderly woman was charged with having been on licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order. Accused was represented by Mr C. A. Fownall, and the evidence showed that she was standing in the right of way of the hotel. His Worship said there appeared to be some doubt as to the charge, and ha would give defendant the benefit of it. She was accordingly discharged. A stranger to the district, against whum a prohibition order had been issued elsewhere, was fined £3 and 7s costs for being found on licensed premises. Denis McMullen was fined 40s and 7s costs on a similar charge to the previous one. William Mackersey was charged on the application of his wife with failing to comply with an order of the court in contributing towards her maintenance. His Worship said it waa a pity that the wife had allowed the maintenance to get so much in arrears before taking action. The husband was out of the district, and the report he had received concerning him was not a good one. An order was made that the defendant be {sentenced to three months imprisonment in the Wellington Gaol, the warrant to be suspended as long as he paid 10s a week to the police constable <*t Seddon towards the arrears, and the wife's present maintenance.

On the information of Truant Inspector Dinneen, charges were preferred against John Jelley for failing to send his two children regularly to school. The Inspector stated that his repeated warnings had had no effect. Fines of 10s on each charge were imposed, with 7s costs. Eiiazbeth Reeve was also charged with failing to send her child to school regularly. The Truant Inspector mentioned that the case was brought with a view to having the hoy committed to the Wereroa Industrial School, as the mother had stated that the boy had got beyond her control. The mother in her evidence stated that she could not get the child to attend regularly The Magistrate ordered that a report be procured from Mr W. H. Jackson, Headmaster of the District High School, as to the boy's attendance, and if it was found that he had not attended regularly during the next month, he would, be sent to the Industrial School. The Truant Inspector asked • to have the case adjourned till May 28th, which request was granted.