R.M. COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2100, 21 September 1885, Page 2

R.M. COURT.

MASTERTON.-THIS DAY.

(Before H. A. Stratford, R.M.) DRUNKENNESS/ One first offender was mulcted in 10s with the alternative of 24 hours] Another offender charged with having been- drunk on Sunday, pleaded guilty, and was similarly dealt with. CIVIL OASES.

Soren Nillson v Jens Nilsen and Peter Petersen.—Judgment summons. On the application of Mr Beard, who appeared for the defendants, the case was ordered to stand over till the 2nd of November.- "

0. Wragge, v P. W.' Parker.—Claim £lll4s 6d. 'Mr Skipper appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Bunny for defendant. _■ i Mr Bunny stated that if a few minuteß time were given the parties, they would, perhaps, be able to come to an understanding.

His Worship said he would allow the case to stand lower down.

The Coura then adjourned till 11 a,m, ALLEGED HORSE STEALING.

Police v Edward Price, alias Williams, alias Gough. The prosecution was conducted by Sergt, McOardle, who called Daniel O'Kane,

Daniel O'Kane sworn said : lam a contractor at Anuedale, residing at Whakataki; I know accused by sight, by the name of Williams. Saw him oil the 13th of this month at Annedale at a rabbitter's whare. On that day he told me ho was staying there for a rest. I asked him if he had seen a horse on the road, and he said he had not. I left the accused at the wliare. Shortly afterwards I found the horse and rode to Moore'a store and returned again to accused at the whare at four o'clock, 1 haying been away an hour and a half. Accused admired the horse, and asked if it was easy caught, and if it was the ®nly horse running louse about there. I replied that it was. I then took off the saddle and bridlo and let the horse go. I placed the saddle and bridle in tho whare, There was no one present but accused and myself when I placed the saddle and bridle in the whare. I engaged him to go to work for me, and on the following day he came into my employ to do some wirefencing about2miles from the whare, On Monday 14th heaskedmewhattimelgenerally went home. I told him Saturdays. On the Tuesday following he said he was going to clear out, as the place was too rough for him. He then left. I have not seen accused from that day to this. I found on the next day my horse was gone, and did not see the horse again until to-day, when I saw it in Mr Toohill's stables at Masterton, I claim the horse as 'nine, and have owned it three or four years. I have not Bold or given the horse to any person, nor authorised the accused to take it. I saw a saddlo and breastplate on the horse this morning that I put in the whare on the 13th, and they are my property. I value the horse at £lB, including saddle and breastplate. The accused declined to ask any questions.

Constable Darby, sworn, said: I arrested accused as Edward Price last Wednesday night in Carterton on a charge of disorderly conduct. I had known him previously, and he stated he had : come from Tinui. I did not know there was any charge against him for horse-stealing. He said ho was en route for Wellington to purchase some paper to paper the schoolmaster's residence in Tiuui. He further said he rode into Masterton from beyond Tinui on a horse he had got from a man named O'Kane in exchango for one he had left him. He also said he had been working for O'Kane, but the work was too rough. He afterwards said he walked from Tinui to Taueru and got a ride in a brake from thence into Masterton.

Accused declined to question the witness.

Joseph loms deposed that accused brought into his auction yards last Wednesday a horse, saddle and bridle for sale, and entered them in the name of Charles Gough, The horse was known to witness for many years, and he asked accused to produce a receipt to prove his ownership, but he said ho had not one with him at thetime, but that he had bought the horse from O'Kano of Whakataki. Tho horse, saddle, and bridle was knocked down to Mr Toohill for £7, and accused received the proceeds of tho sale. Accused led the horso into the yards while the sale of horses was going on, Daniel Edward Toohill, hotel keeper, Masterton, gave evidence as to the purchase of the horse at auction.

This closed tho case for the prosecution,

The evidenco having been read over to the accused, and the usual caution given, accused said he had nothing to say. The Court: In reply to my question you say " I have nothing to say." Will you sigu that 1 Accused: No, I will not. The Court: Have you any witnesses 1 Accused: We will see all about that by-and-by, (excitedly) I want to know what you mean by George Pearce and the other aliases. Accused was then committed for trial.