R.M. COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2089, 8 September 1885, Page 2

R.M. COURT.

MASTERTON.-THIS DAY.

(Before H. A, Stratford, R.M.)

Baron Mollwowas charged by Sergeant McCurdle with havingcommitted a breach of the Police Offences Act by following his uiual occupation for profit on Sunday September 6th, the sarao being not for charity or compulsory, to wit charging for admission to a Lecture in the Theatre Royal. Mr Beard appeared for the accuseds

Sergeant McCardle said he had just received instructions from Wellington to ask the Court to withdraw the,charge he had laid against defendant.

His Worship: What do youtmean? Who sent you instructions ? 'i*

Sergt. McArdle: 1 received a Ulegram from Mr Goodall, the Police Inspector, to say that he was instructed by the Minuter of Defence to tell me to withdraw ihe oase. His Worship: Then you do not intend offering any evidence in support of the charge? Sergt, McArdle: Under the circum* stances I do not intend to offer any evidence.

His Worship: I see by the act that this is a case in which the maximum penalty iB only £l, aiid it is ovident that, it is looked upon as a trival offence. I shall offer no objection to you withdrawing the case, but cannnot allow you to do so without consent. A charge having been laid no one shall be bohind to say it shall not proceed. It was the duty of any one laying an information, first to see clearly and well that he was right in making the charge and secondly it was his duty at all costs to cause an investigation. I cannot understand how any person, superior officer or what not, can advise the withdrawal of a case without the,evidence being taken. It seems a Btrangi®,ng to me, very strange? The case, was, however, of so trivial a kind, that no injustice would be done, or no one injurdgbv the withdrawal that I will not I think you ought to have stood by your charge, and not let the instructions influence you. Sitting as a Magistrate, I know no master on the Bench, but just administer the law between man and man.

The case was then discharged, Mr Beard was about to make some remarks upon the hardship to his client, but was stopped by His Worship, as he did not intend to ask for costs..