THE ALLEGED THEFTS OF GOLD AT SANDHURST.

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1288, 22 June 1883, Page 2

THE ALLEGED THEFTS OF GOLD AT SANDHURST.

• One of the most startling disclo snres (reports the Bendigo Advertiser) was made at the Eaglehawk Police Court on Saturday, in the presence of a large number of spectators. It occurred in a case Jane Smith against Crispin Smith, for leaving hi 3 w if e without means of support. The complainant, who was deaf, got into the witness box, and to all outward appearance was a very respectable woman, of about 60 years of age. Her husband was also respectably dressed. The witness addressed the magistrates us follows :—

The reason I left my husband was because he used to rob the company he was working at. He used to bring home small cakes of gold, turkeys, and other things which 1 knew lie did not become possessed of honestly. I have found gold buried in the fowlhouse, and pne time I took it out of the fowlhouse. There were always small cakes of gold there, and he used to plant some in the hens' nests and underneath. I often remonstrated with him, but I did not tell the company. I didn't wish to expose his good family. I didn't tell the police, but went away from him. I am unable to maintain myself for I am now 60 years of age. I will not go back, because my life is in danger. I have every reason to believe he is carrying on with his niece, who has just arrived from the old country. Oue day I saw her coming out of his room, and when asked what she meant the niece replied that ray husband had kissed her, and told her to never mind me. I never had any peace with him ; he abused me and wanted me to give up my marriage certificate. I would i not, and he snatched at a valuable deed I had, but he did not get it. When he could not get it he threw me down, took his penknife out of his pocket, opened it with his teeth, tore open the front of his shirt, " and asked me to cut his throat." Mr Webster: "What company is he working at?" The. witness: "Clark's crushing machine ; he has been there for eleven years. Some four years ago he took a small parcel of gold to Majorca, and when he came back he had an immense sum of money. Soon afterhe went to Ballarat, and came back with £200, which he put in the bank opposite the Shamrock Hotel (the Bank of Australasia), and put £150 or £160 in the Eaglehawk Savings Bank. I refused to share it. I told the woman I am staying with about him." Mr Webster : "We want to know more about this, and inquiries must be made, for if the woman is wrong in one thing she is wrong in all." Mr Cohen (who appeared for Smith,): " Your Worships — it is not true ; we can show how we got the money." Mr Webster: "If the woman is telling the truth I will order maintenance, and see that she does not go back. Either there is a good deal in it or nothing, or the poor woman's mind is deranged." Constable O'Brien : " The woman is very respectable, your worships." The case was 1 then adjourned to the 21st inst The -strange evidence given by the woman caused quite a sensation in court and from her manner in addressing the bench the opinion was that there is some truth in her statements.