MASTERTON DRAPERS IN COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5081, 19 July 1895, Page 3

MASTERTON DRAPERS IN COURT.

At tho S.M. Court this morning before Mr T, Hutchison, S.M., Yincent Hooper was charged by Inspector Ingram with having goods on verandah posts in Queen-street, contrary to tlio Borough By-laws. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Ingram gave cvidonco that on Saturday Jtmo Ist, ho found blankets hung on tlio verandah posts in front of the shop of Messrs L. J. Hooper it Co. Mr L. J. Hooper, tlio head of the firm, was away in Wellington at the time,

His Worship asked why the principal of the firm had not been sued. Ho was responsible for the acts of his servants. Mr Ingram gaid ho did not find Mr h. J, Hooper, and thought the defendant was therefore the party to prosecute, as he was in chargo during his brother's absence,

Defendant said that bis brother, L. J, Hooper, was at home 011 tho Saturday. Witness was not ft partner. His Worship asked the informant 011 what ground lie sued tho defendant, when he did not see him hang out the blankets ? Informant said he did so because ho was told that the blankets, blowing about, frightened horses. His Worship said that tho information would be dismissed, defendant not being the owner of the premises. Same v. 0. Pragnell.—This was a similar chargo, for hanging out goods on June 4th. Mr Ingram said after he complained to defendant the articles were removed. His Worship remarked that the informant had waited a month before laying the information. It was hardly the way to enforce the By-laws. His Worship said a breach of the By-laws had been committed, and imposed a line of one shilling without costs. Same e. J. L. Murray. A similar charge. Defendant failed to appear and 011 the charge being proved by informant. His Worship imposed a line of one shilling without costs.