CITY POLICE COURT.
(Before E. H. Carew, Esq., S.M.) Vagrancy. — Eva Mackrill was charged by the police with being an idle and disorderly person, with insufficient lawful visible means of support. — Accused, who was represented by Mr Irwin, pleaded not guilty, and after the evidence of the police and witnesses for the defence had been taken the case was dismissed.
A similar charge against Minnie O'Connor, for whom Mr Irwin appeared, was adjourned until the 28th inst., to give the girl's parents an opportunity of stating whether they were willing to take her home again or not. -Evening Star, 21/11/1901.
POLICE COURT — THIS DAY.
(Before Messrs. J. H. Harrison and John Hough, J.P's.) Alleged Prostitution. — Minnie O'Connor, a young woman, was charged with being idle, and having no lawful means of support except prostitution. Detectives Maddern and Kennedy gave evidence, and accused was sent to prison for a month. -Auckland Star, 19/1/1903.
"I wish you and others like you to understand that when I give you an opportunity and order you to come up for sentence when called upon, that you will be brought up for sentence if you do not behave yourselves. To show that I mean it, you will be sentenced to three months' imprisonment." This was the judgment of Dr. A. McArthur, S.M., this morning, on Minnie O'Connor, a young woman who was charged before him recently with having insufficient means of support. The police at the hearing of the case stated that she frequented the streets to the annoyance of passers-by. His Worship allowed her to go on the understanding that she kept off the streets. Last evening the police again found her loitering about, and immediately took her into custody and locked her up. -Evening Post, 31/1/1905.
A presentable looking young woman named Minnie O'Connor, of respectable parentage, was to-day convicted at the Magistrate's Court of being a rogue and a vagabond, and importuning passengers in Whittaker-street. Mr. Riddell, S.M., who heard the case, sentenced her to three months' imprisonment on the first charge and twenty-one days on the second, terms to be concurrent. The defendant was represented by Mr. Toogood. -Evening Post, 24/8/1906.
MINNIE'S MARRIAGE
UNAVOIDABLY POSTPONED.
Wanton's Wickedness m Whittaker-Street.
Byrne's Bride Boobed.
Though William James Byrne said he is engaged to, and, from the witness-box, expressed his willingness to marry Minnie O'Connor, a good-looking, well-dressed young woman, charged before Mr Riddell, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, with soliciting prostitution and being an idle and disorderly person having insufficient means of support, it was not considered as a valid reason why Minnie O'Connor should not be sent to gaol.
Unfortunately the fact was known that the young woman was not a new hand at the game; her record showed that she was no stranger to gaol.
Off Ghuznee-street runs Whittaker-street, a locality wherein reside many respectable folk, who, of late have been subjected to much annoyance from shameless street-walkers. These women, having importuned men from neighboring thoroughfares, cut their crapulous capers under the glare of the electric light without regard to decency, and who, when remonstrated with, have turned round and reviled all and sundry in a shocking manner. Police protection was therefore invoked and the gathering in of Minnie O'Connor was part of the result.
On Monday, evening last, Constables Stewart and McKelvie were in plain clothes, out to note things in the locality, when Minnie was observed pursuing her unlawful yet ancient calling in Whittaker-street. Womanlike, when nabbed, she pleaded for a chance; the man whom the police caught with her blubbered like a baby, and said he had given her five shillings, and he way allowed to go free. Minnie, being the chief offender, was kept in custody and wanted to know if the police were not "setting" her, and being assured that it was her unlucky night; very unkindly wanted to know why her sister was not "pinched," too! It seemed more unfortunate, too, that while under police escort to the station, she should collide with the man of her heart, to whom she is engaged to be married; and who, on his oath, had arranged to meet Minnie near the scene of her operations that same night for no other purpose than to fix upon the happy day when he should slip a gold band on her finger, proclaiming her to be a decent married woman. The arresting constables have hearts, and touched by her pathetic story she had told them she was to be married soon they stood by, when the lovers met under such disadvantageous circumstances, and allowed him to console her by the information that he would arrange for a lawyer for her.
The young man whom the police found in a compromising position with Minnie, said he gave her a "crown." When Minnie was searched that sum was not to be found. "What became of it?" exultingly asked Mr Toogood, who was for the defence. The suggestion was promptly made that Minnie had passed it to Byrne. That loving swain was not virtuously indignant when it was suggested that he took Minnie's dollar but he stated that, on the contrary, he had only a few days previously given her thirty shillings to pay her board at the Caledonian Hotel, which is near the Basin Reserve, and where Minnie represented she lived but according to the police she resided in Willis-street. This difficulty about the "dollar" was not thrashed out; evidently, as the blubbering young man was not present to defend himself, it was doubtless safer to think he was the liar. Byrne was not abashed in expressing his willingness to marry Minnie, whose parentage was of the most respectable, character; but neither this fact nor anything else prevailed with the Bench, and for soliciting prostitution Minnie was sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment. On the second charge she got three months; sentences to run concurrently. -NZ Truth, 25/8/1906.
Minnie O'Connor, a young woman, for importuning, was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, on the understanding that she went to live with her people. -Evening Post, 10/12/1906.
NIGHT NYMPHS.
THE FICKLE ANB FROLICSOME FLOSSIE.
Tessie Russell on the Tear.
Tessie Russell, who has previously furnished readers of this religious journal with an amount of light literature wherewith to pass a pleasant Sunday afternoon, appeared before Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., last week; when more interesting adventures of this lady, and a sister of the same profession, were related to the Court. Tessie, who has lately taken to herself a husband, now. describes herself as Teresa Stevens and was present in Court to answer a charge of having biffed a member of the same fraternity, one Minnie O'Connor, who has also graced "Truths' pages at different intervals, on the head, thereby knocking the damsell down. Mr T. Wilford chaperoned the newly-made and unblushing bride. From the evidence of Minnie, it appeared that she had lately been ruralising at Woodville, and, having returned, was taking an airing on Waterloo Quay, when Tessie came up and accused Minnie of having been with her (Tessie's) husband. Minnie scornfully denied such an awful accusation and Tessie
AT ONCE SAILED INTO HER, knocking her down and rendering her unconscious. Minnie was gently lifted into a cab by some unknown Samaritan and visited a sawbones gentleman, who said that the wound had probably been caused by a stone gracefully concealed in a handkerchief. Minnie vowed that two men — named Hoskins and Furniss — were with the infuriated Tessie when she administered stouch to her. To Mr Wilford Minnie said she had no idea why she had been so severely dealt with, and declined to state how often she had occupied a reserved seat in the Court when charged with vagrancy. Eventually Minnie admitted having been three times before the court, the first time she got three months, the second one month, and the third time, she stated, to the amusement of Mr Wilford and the heroes who breasted the bar, that she got off, when Mr Wilford appeared for her. Minnie went on to say that she did not call Tessie a blanky b____, but had been before the Court for having indulged in the same sort of free speech. Minnie said that prior to the melee she had had one drink of stout at home, where she was kept by a man. She indignantly denied that it was gin she had been drinking, and she did not touch the awful stuff. Minnie also denied that she was with a man at the time of the occurrence, and didn't say to the man, "There goes Tessie Russell, the blanky blank.
Sergeant Dale said that Tessie had informed him that she had been out drinking all day, had met Minnie, O'Connor, and had given her a doing because of something she had said about her and her husband. A man who was with her took her away, saying that
SHE HAD DONE ENOUGH. Tessie described herself at the wife of William Stevens and said she was proceeding along the Quay when Minnie called her a blanky blank. Witness struck Minnie with her clenched fist, knocking her down, and then, letting like a soldier, fell heavily on her prostrate foe.
To Sub-Inspector O'Donovan Tessie admitted that she was drunk, but was not speechless drunk. There was no trouble between witness and complainant. Witness went along the Quay to obtain some fresh air. A fellow named Hoskins and a fellow named Furniss were with witness at the time.
Ethel Davies, who said her husband was a foreman in America, stated that about a fortnight previous to the fight Minnie had said to her, "There goes Tessie Russell, a blanky blank." To the Sub-Inspector, Ethel said she was only here on a holiday. Ethel did not see the fight, but met the ladies later on, as she was also "taking fresh air on the Quay."
Tessie was fined three quid, so that she will be careful next time she goes for fresh air on the Quay. -New Zealand Truth, 23/5/1908.
FALLEN FEMALES.
The Crusade in Christchurch.
The Seventeenth of Ireland, and similar saints' days seem to offer especial inducement to kick over the traces of propriety. Certainly there was a larger number of drunks at the Christchurch Court on the morning of the eighteenth than had mustered since Carnival week and it was probably the prevalence of assorted sossellers that induced Minnie O'Connor and Jane Neville to backslide after a season of virtue. Minnie and Jane stationed themselves in Cambridge terrace and spoke in coy accents to morally weak men who happened to be passing at the time. The conversation and subsequent shocking indulgence, would horrify respectable people had they witnessed it, and Peeler Kegan and mate were overcome by the intensity of their outraged feelings. Jane didn't take kindly to the idea of arrest, and put a prominent portion of her anatomy through the window of a cab.
Lawyer Leathern pleaded guilty on behalf of both Magdalenes to the charges of soliciting prostitution and of fracturing the transparency, and in respect of Minnie O'Connor mentioned that the voluptuous female hadn't been on the ran-tan for a space of three years, an abnormal period of abstention in a lady of such ardent disposition. Minnie, it appears, lives in Wellington with mother and father, and was only in the Garden City for twelve days when the unhappy lapse occurred. There seems to be something peculiarly compelling about the atmosphere of the pious centre that makes for sinfulness. She was on a visit at the time to her sister-in-law, wife of an highly-respectable tradesman employed in a large hair-dressing establishment. If humane Magistrate Bishop would permit it she would return by the Maori to Wellington on that very evening, remarked counsel, who mentioned that her last conviction was in Wellington nearly three years back; and a woman of her history
WHO TROD THE NARROW PATH for three solid years must have good intentions.
His Worship: What has she been doing for the past three years? — Working in Wellington.
She hasn't been on the town? — No; she met this other woman Neville.
His Worship remarked that there was some hope for a girl who had done nothing blushful for three years. If counsel would guarantee that her friends would get her out of the town he felt inclined to convict her and order her to come up for sentence when called upon; but if she came before his Worship again he would inflict the maximum penalty and put her to some useful occupation in Cleary's Bastile.
In regard to the other woman, Neville, counsel, also spoke a piece. Her husband was a respectable tradesman and there was a child. Her connections were respectable.
His Worship was astonished that a married woman with a child and of respectable antecedents should suddenly develop vice and solicit prostitution in the streets.
Sergeant Johnston: She acknowledges, that she was convicted in Auckland.
Jane (tearfully): Only for drunkenness, your Worship.
The woman's husband, was in Court, and came forward. It appears that his name was Ford, Neville being the Monniker of Jane's late lamented first. He was really and truly married to her, Ford said, and there were two children. He was a plasterer by crust-earning occupation.
His Worship convicted the woman and ordered her to come up for sentence when called upon, but told her to pay for the cab window and the cost of Witnesses. -NZ Times, 23/3/1909.
THE COURTS TO-DAY.
CITY POLICE COURT.
(Before H. A. Young, Esq., S.M.)
Drunkenness. — Two first offenders were fined 5s or twenty-four hours each.
With Thieves and Women. — William Robert Swanson alias Johnston pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting Minnie O’Connor. Station-sergeant King explained that Swanson had been living with the woman, who was of ill repute. Yesterday evening, whilst in King street, he deliberately knocked her down and kicked her. She got up, and he struck her again. Evidence was given by Leslie Bailey, Minnie O’Connor (who said she could not better herself when Swanson was about, as she wanted to do), and Albert Ledgerwood. — Swanson said he had never been in gaol, and didn’t want to go. He would sooner leave the town. He had been “had up” for drunkenness. Yesterday he had a job to go to in Sparrow’s foundry, but he did not go, because of the woman, who swore she would go down to where he worked and play him out. — To a charge of being deemed an idle and disorderly person consorting with reputed thieves and certain women he pleaded guilty to consorting, but not guilty as regards being idle and disorderly. — Detective Mitchell gave evidence as to Swanson’s mode of living. Briefly put, it was not a good mode. — Station-sergeant King also gave evidence, and mentioned that the woman accused Swanson of stealing £7 from her. When arrested he had £5 in his possession. He had been five weeks in Dunedin without doing any work. — His Worship adjourned the cases against Swanson until Monday next in order to obtain police reports of Swanson's past life in Christchurch and Wellington. Bail was fixed at £30 for himself. -Evening Star, 14/4/1909.
BREAKING-UP A BAGNIO.
Bloques and Clyners Before the Court.
The Christchurch 'tecs, have broken up a nice little school, housed in the residence next door to the Royal Hotel, Oxford-terrace, which was firmly believed to be no better than it ought to have been. There were four scholars in the school, and they came up separately before Magistrate Bailey last week for their Christmas examinations. Two of them took prizes and were granted free bursaries in Gaoler Ironsides' manual university, and t'other two narrowly failed to qualify for jug scholarships.
Ernest George Kelly was the first aspirant. He is a well-made, handsome individual, with a lofty and noble-looking brow and dissipated eyes. Wine and the ladies have been the weakness of Kelly, who also developed a liking for other people's property. He was charged with being an idle and disorderly person and consorting with dishonest individuals, such as the Canterbury Jockey Club licenses as bookmakers, and the Christchurch City Council gives cab licenses to. His plea of not guilty brought 'Tec Gibson on the scene. Ernest arrived in the city on November 29 from a place which the natural delicacy of the 'tec. prevented him from specifying, and since the date mentioned he had toiled not, neither did he graft. When the mansion in Oxford-terrace was raided, it was found that he had been living with an obnoxious person named Munro and a lady of the Tottie type named O'Connor. Kelly had been seen confabing with a thief named Beattie.
Cross-examination by Kelly merely made matters worse for him. When the 'tec. arrived at the bridge in the vicinity, the female mentioned was hurling rocks at Kelly and Munro, and also casting high-seasoned reproaches upon them.
'Tec. Ward added a chapter to the unpleasant story. 'Tec. Snow also said severe things. He was present when Kelly was arrested in the Oxford-terrace brothel.
Kelly: How do you know it is a brothel?
Snow: There were two prostitutes and two thieves there.
Kelly: You don't know if any men frequented the house?
Snow: No.
Kelly elected to give evidence on oath and mentioned that he had been discharged from monastic seclusion with one Ironsides at Lyttelton on November 29. His reason for meeting Beattie was that the person, in question had looked after his belongings when he was jugged, and had come and told him where they were to be found. Kelly regarded himself as being very fortunate in meeting Munro, who had a hawker's caravan, and was going to give him employment in the country. With regard to thieves and persons of evil character, an individual, no matter how honorable his intentions were, couldn't help talking to them when he saw them in the street. One met them in the Lyttelton sanctuary, and did the stroke with them day by day, and it was impossible to avoid talking to them afterwards. Knowing the bad construction that would be placed upon the conversation by the police, Kelly had even warned his ex gaol mates not to accost him. Kelly had boarded with Munro in a two-storeyed building, and while he was there the conduct of the O'Connor I female had been without reproach, like that of Caesar's late lamented missus. Kelly begged earnestly for another chance, and said he would get out of the district by the following afternoon.
Replying to Chief 'Tec. Bishop, Kelly vaguely remembered a row he had with a woman in St. Asaph street. He engaged a room there, he explained, but left when he beard that the landlady was a woman of ill-fame.
The Chief (highly amused): Did you leave because she was a woman of ill-fame? — Yes.
Edith Hunter was arrested at the Oxford-terrace domicile, but she wasn't staying at the house.
Magistrate Bailey ukased that Kelly should spend his Christmas and New year holidays to the extent of one month at the seaside fortress.
Roderick Munro, a young man, charged with being an idle and disorderly person, was defended by Lawyer Donnelly. The ever-present 'Tec. Gibson mentioned that Munro, visited Christchurch in Cup week, but departed hurriedly, and returned recently in company with a dreadful female named O'Connor, who was arrested with Munro, Kelly, and Edith Hunter in the Oxford-terrace sink of iniquity. Munro had associated with thieves.
Mr Donnelly: Monro says that for months he has been hawking goods around the country.
Gibson: He hawks a prostitute around the country.
Counsel heaped reproaches on the 'tec. for taking advantage of a question to drag in something prejudicial to the accused and foreign to the question. "Is it fair?" asked counsel, with indignation.
Gibson, in reply to further questioning, mentioned the brothel kept by Munro in Oxford-terrace. This characterisation of the house further incensed Mr Donnelly, who obtained an admission from the witness that he hadn't seen the woman Hunter in the house prior to her arrest. Nor did he know of any conviction for prostitution in the woman Hunter's case.
'Tec. Ward corroborated. He had seen the woman O'Connor soliciting eighteen, months previously.
'Tec. Snow particularised thieves and reputed thieves Munro had been familiar with, but none since last June. They included Joe Nicholls, Pat Woolfe, Joe Reynolds, alias Moran, William McEwan, and another.
Constable Began also spoke a piece.
Mr Donnelly again took exception to what he termed the vituperative statement in one detective's evidence, when asked a simple question. He pointed out that the evidence for the prosecution accounted for a small part of Munro's existence, the intervening months feeing occupied in hawking goods in the country districts. It was a fact that the woman O'Connor lived with Munro and travelled with him, and although the mode of life was one which public sentiment and usage might disapprove, and was opposed to the laws of morality, it was not an offence against the laws of the country. Counsel pointed out the contention of two Judges in Wellington that association between one woman and a man or one woman and a number of men didn't bring her within the law; also, accidental speech with thieves did not constitute consorting.
Munro mentioned in the box that he was possessed of a horse and cart and harness, and had since sold the prad. He stated that he got his living by hawking and that the woman O'Connor was kept by him.
The Chief 'Tec. asked if, when arrested, the woman O'Connor had not stated that Munro had been living on the proceeds of her dreadful traffic for two years; also, that she had bought the horse and vehicle.
Munro said he didn't know what the woman said. She was mad with beer at the time. The young man was convicted, and after perusing his record, his Worship put him on the retired list for 12 months.
Minnie O'Connor, a well-nourished female, was now charged with being an idle and disorderly person. The evidence of 'Tecs. Gibson and Snow went to show that she was a common Flossie, and had been convicted within the past six months. 'Tec. Snow was present when she was arrested, and heard her say that she kept Munro m a disgraceful manner. "I'll mount the Peter in the morning and give evidence about it," she said, shrilly.
His Worship: What does "mount the Peter" mean? — To come here, your Worship.
Mr Donnelly mentioned that the gaoler had received a ticket from Minnie's mother in Wellington, which would enable her to join her relative if leniency were shown.
Minnie went into the box and denied that she had been keeping Munro. The position was reversed.
She was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon.
Edith Hunter, dark woman wearing a tasteful dress and hat and a terrified expression, was then charged under the vag., (vagrancy Act) and with "consorting."
The evidence of 'Tec. Gibson and Constable Regan, who is now mounted, and looks well in riding pants, was that the woman had been warned twice for soliciting, and had been seen in company with evil-famed women named Sales and Ohmy — the last name sounding like a yell of pain or a shocked expression. She had never been convicted of the street offence. She had worked at Brown's laundry, and was now living with a man named Dallas.
Edith, giving evidence m her own defence, said her real name was Morris, and she was a married woman. Her only conviction was one for assault twelve years ago. Dallas, a traveller, was keeping her, and she toiled herself amongst the soapsuds. She produced a Savings Bank book showing that she had had over £20 to her credit, and had now a balance of £1 -15s. She was not living in the Oxford-terrace palace. She was coming down from the hospital at the time, and was attracted by the row created by Minnie, whom she knew in Wellington. She hadn't been on the premises two minutes when she was arrested.
Mr Donnelly produced a letter from Edith's mother in Wellington, offering to furnish her with means to join her brother, a respectable farmer at Taranaki.
The informations were dismissed, and Edith tasted freedom once more. -NZ Times, 31/12/1910.
FAIRLY BRUTAL.
Roderick Munro, alias Williams, appearing on remand, was charged with having committed an aggravated assault on Minnie O'Connor. Evidence was given by Dr. Martin as to complainant's condition after the assault. Sub-Inspector Sheehan stated that accused had been living with the woman, and on October 19 he had committed the assault with an umbrella handle, inflicting wounds on the head and cheek. Accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four months' imprisonment. -Dominion, 26/10/1911.
Minnie O'Connor, who was arrested at Wanganui on a charge of being a rogue and a vagabond in that she kept company with women of ill-repute, was remanded until next Tuesday. -Evening Post, 10/7/1914.
HER TRUST IN JURIES.
"I want to be tried by a jury," declared Minnie O'Connor (32), a showily dressed woman, who had been arrested on Saturday night on a charge that she was an incorrigible rogue. "You understand you will have to wait for the Supreme Court?" inquired the clerk. "I do. Is there any bail?" replied the lady. "I ask for a remand till next Monday, and I oppose any application for bail," interjected the Senior-Sergeant, and Minnie O'Connor turned arid retired to the prisoners' room without waiting to argue the point, so the remand was granted. -Auckland Star, 1/3/1915.
MINNIE'S MANY MEN
Incorrigible O'Connor from Christchurch.
A Lidy who Could "Get a Living" all Right.
When charged with being an incorrigible rogue, Minnie O'Connor (32) well-dressed, decided that she would be dealt with by a Jury at the Supreme Court rather than summarily. Senior-Sergt. Rutledge then asked that the charge be reduced to idle and disorderly and dealt with by the magistrate, but Minnie, who was befriended by Lawyer Lundon, decided to do the thing in style and go to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Cutten then said that he was placed in an awkward position, as Minnie did not want the charge reduced. He therefore thought the matter had best be sent along as it was the accused's own wish.
Constable O'Donnelly said he had known Minnie since-February* 18. On that date he saw Minnie and a man going into No. 115 Victoria street by a back entrance. Next evening, about 9.15 p.m., Minnie repeated the performance with another man. There was a man in the shop, but he took no notlce of Minnie and her mate as they went in. On the 16th the "Johnop" saw her going into the Alexandra Hotel with a bloke and on the 18th spoke to her when she was with a man in Hobson-street. He asked what her name was and she said Smith and that she lived a long way from where they were. The "Johnop" then asked Minnie
WHO THE MAN WAS, and she said, "My husband." The man said his name was Williams and Minnie was his wife. At 11.10 p.m. the same night the "Johnop" met her by Federal-street and again she said her name was Mrs. Smith and that she lived at 116 Victoria street. Five minutes later he saw Minnie with a soldier and the pair went to a house on the corner of Durham and Hobson streets. To whoever answered the knock Minnie said, "It's me, never mind the light." That was the last seen of her that night. On the night of the 26th witness saw her with a man named Smith in Hobson-street and she then said her name was Pines. On the 27th he caught her with another strange man, but they sighted witness as the man left her. That night shortly after six she and a man came out of 115 Victoria-street and went to a pub, afterwards going to Hobson-street to the Grosvenor pub. Next the pair went to Wyndham street. They were still together that evening at Gleeson's Hotel, but then the man, who gave his name as James, left her. Later she was in Hobson street talking to four men, one of whom was Smith. On February 23 witness asked her questions and Minnie said, "I never take anyone in or out of my place; I have a fish shop at 115 Victoria-street." Witness asked how she could make a living and she replied, "I can make a living all right, don't you worry about that." Witness could not say what reputation Minnie bore, but he looked upon her as a prostitute.
No questions from Lawyer Lundon.
Isles Maguire, a "Johnop" at present giving the "Demon" office a hand, said he knew Minnie and
SHE WAS A PROSTITUTE. She lived at 115 Victoria-street and associated with bad characters and lived with a man named Cunningham, at present in gaol. Since Cunningham was gathered in James Smith, a notorious thief, was frequenting the shop or house.
James Lang, a bootmaker at 113 Victoria-street, said Minnie came to live next door in January. He had frequently seen men going into the place and one man in particular, who wore a plaid hat, seemed to always be there. This man when the door was shut would got in through the windows. One Saturday evening James heard Minnie and a man having a conversation over thirty "bob." Minnie asked the man was he satisfied, and the man replied that he never had thirty "bobs" worth.
Lawyer Lundon: You say you are a bootmaker? — Yes. Are you a married man? — I decline to answer that question.
Who are you living with? You come here to give evidence in the interests of morality? — I decline to answer.
I understand you are, living with a woman known as Scotch Mag? — That's not true.
Who is the woman living with you? — That's my business.
Where is your wife? — At home.
You are married? — Yes.
Is the woman you, are living with your wife? — I decline to answer.
When the case was resumed after lunch. Senior-Sergt. Rutledge asked, for the purposes of information, that the charge against Munro be altered to an Idle and disorderly person with insufficient lawful means of support; and
HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN CONVICTED.
His Worship nodded "Jusso."
Constable Potter said he knew her as a prostitute In Christchurch. She was convicted of being an idle and disorderly person and was frequently in the company of prostitutes in Christchurch, where she was convicted of being an idle and disorderly person.
Senior-Sergt. Rutledge then asked Minnie if she would admit the list of previous convictions but she disputed some of the items. (story incomplete) -NZT, 13/3/1915.
TO FACE A JURY
Minnie and Many Matters
Wanted to Change Her Mind.
The woman Minnie O'Connor (32), alias Cunningham, alias Pines, who last week was charged with being an incorrigible rogue and elected to be tried by jury at the Supreme Court, was again brought before Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., on Monday last. Last week the case when nearly concluded was adjourned to allow Senior-Sergt, Rutledge to get into communication with the Southern "John" Department to prove some previous convictions, disputed by Minnie. When first charged Minnie refused to have the charge reduced to "idle and disorderly person" and be dealt with by a magistrate. On Monday Minnie said she would like the charge reduced and
BE DEALT WITH SUMMARILY.
His Worship: I don't know that I have power to do that now.
Senior-Sergt. Rutledge then climbed into the box and swore to Minnie having been convicted in the South of soliciting, vagrancy, consorting, idle and disorderly. These Minnie admitted when interviewed by the Senior-Sergeant that morning. Wellington and Christchurch were the places where Minnie had made herself famous.
Minnie reserved her defence, pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial. Bail was allowed. -NZ Times, 20/3/1915.
WOULD NOT STAY
AT SALVATION ARMY HOME.
YOLXO WOMAN GETS TWELVE MONTHS.
A young woman named Minnie O'Connor, who had failed to remain at the Salvation Army Home in terms of her commitment, was brought before Mr. Justice Cooper at the Supreme Court this morning.
His Honor reminded the prisoner that on May 27 last, when she pleaded guilty to being a rogue and a. vagabond, he left her at liberty on condition that she stayed at the Salvation Army Home. After being there a day she went away, and it was quite evident that further leniency could not be extended.
The Crown Prosecutor (the Hon. J. A. Tole. K.C.), informed the Court that on the day following her committal, the prisoner was allowed to go to the city for some essential articles of clothing. Although placed upon her honour to return promptly, she failed to reappear.
The Judge (to prisoner): You were allowed to go to the Salvation Army Home at your own request. I had not statutory power to otherwise commit you. I told you that if you left the Home you would be brought up and sentenced.
Prisoner: But I have been working.
The Judge: You were ordered to remain at the Home. You will be sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment, the sentence to date from the commencement of the last criminal sessions (In May last). Muttering rebellious protects, the prisoner left the Court in custody. -Auckland Star, 5/7/1915.
“CHARITY” IN TUI STREET
SORDID STORY TOLD IN COURT.
Three women of the type frequently termed unfortunate were brought before Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Their names were Margaret Creech, Minnie O’Connor, and Myra Donaldson, and the charges against them were that they were “incorrigible rogues”; that they habitually consorted with women of evil repute; and that, on September 7th last they were found in No. 5, Tui street, a dwelling frequented by persons who have no visible means of support.
The evidence of Sergeant McHolm, which was the result of several official visits to the house, revealed a deplorable condition of affairs in the dwelling. His story was sufficient to convict the women, each of whom was ordered to undergo reformative treatment for two years.
There was also a man in the case. His name was Alexander McDonald; he is the occupier of No. 5, Tui street, and against him the police allegation was that he was an idle and disorderly person.
Of necessity, McDonald admitted his occupancy of the tenement, but concerning the women he posed as something of a philanthropist. "They came to me and pleaded poverty and I took them in,” he said. The magistrate did not believe him. “Don't tell me a lot of nonsense,” said Mr Hunt. “Through you providing these women with a house they have been sent away for two years.”
McDonald was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon. "Mind you, if you come up again you will get six months.” was the magistrate’s parting admonition. -NZ Times, 17/9/1920.
ESCAPEES!
WOMEN FROM POINT HALSWELL.
The police were yesterday actively engaged in searching for two prisoners named Minnie O’Connor and Myra Hill, who escaped from Point Halswell reformatory on Thursday last. The escapees are known to have been in the city as recently as yesterday, and their recapture is expected to be effected toon. -NZ Times, 2/5/1921.
On a charge of being an incorrigible rogue within the meaning of the Police Offences Act, in that she escaped from the Point Halswell Reformatory on 28th April, a woman named Minnie O'Connor was remanded until to-morrow. O'Connor was arrested at Petone yesterday. -Evening Post, 1/6/1921.
MAGISTRATE'S COURT
Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., heard police cases at the Magistrate's Court to-day.
Three first-offending inebriates were dealt with in the usual lenient manner. Minnie O'Connor, charged with being an incorrigible rogue, in that she escaped from the Point Halswell Reformatory on 28th April, 1921, was sentenced to a month's imprisonment. "This is the last time I am going to impose a light sentence for an offence of this nature," said Mr. Hunt. -Evening Post, 2/6/1921.
Minnie O’Connor was “found drunk” last night while in company with a man who had also been imbibing too freely. The pair were before Mr Bartholomew, S.M., this morning, and O’Connor (who, the senior sergeant said, was an old offender) was fined 23s, in default three days’ imprisonment, and the man (a first offender), 10s, or twenty-four hours. -Evening Star, 3/4/1923.
POLICE COURT
Thursday, August 2,
(Before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.)
IMPORTUNING
Minnie O’Connor was charged on remand with loitering and importuning in Market Reserve on the night of July 25.
Sergeant Dunlop said that accused had been remanded in order that inquiries might be made concerning a coat she had sold. It had been ascertained that she had nothing to do with the theft of the coat; the real offender would be charged later. So far as the other charge (to which she had pleaded guilty) was concerned, she had been seen accosting men in the vicinity of Manor place. She was a well-known character, and had a “record.”
The Magistrate (to Ensign Coombs): Could you do anything with her at the Salvation Army Home?
Accused: I don’t wish to go to the home. I’d rather go to Addington.
The Magistrate: It is not a matter of what you wish to do. His Worship remarked that possiblv accused would be a disturbing element in the home. She would be sentenceed to one month’s imprisonment, with hard labor. -Evening Star, 2/8/1923.
A STOLEN COAT
INGENIOUS EXPLANATIONS.
WOMAN CONVICTED.
It took an hour of the magistrate’s time in the Police Court tine morning to find whether James Baxter Kerr or Minnie O’Connor or both were guilty of stealing an overcoat, the property of Philip Stapleton, a clerk on a sheep station at Mount Pisa. Mr Hay appeared for Kerr, and the cases were taken together.
The complainant was staying at the Farmers’ Arms Hotel early in July last, and it was then the coat, which had cost, him £7 wholesale price, went missing. He identified it now by a hook he had sewn in himself.
The principal witness was Henry Smith, a deck hand, who deposed to being at the hostelry named on July 10, and to seeing there “the lady and gentleman in the dock and also another gentleman named Campbell.” Campbell had left first, and the lady and gentleman afterwards, the latter carrying a dark overcoat similar to the one produced.
“You're the man who goes around playing a tin whistle, aren’t you?” asked Mr Hay.
“I play at dances,” allowed the witness.
“What; play a tin whistle at dances?”
“No, sir,” said witness with dignity; “I play the piccolo.”
This witness went on to say that at the time Kerr was clean shaven; now he wore a moustache. Witness had identified him that morning. He had seen Kerr only for a minute at the hotel, and had a good memory for faces. He left the room because he wanted to get away from the company. There was something dubious about it. His instinct told him this. So he went back to his friends in the bar parlor. These friends were “ respectable gentlemen" like himself.
Sarah Gumpatzes, second-hand dealer, said she bought the coat from the female accused for 5s. O'Connor wanted 10s, but coats were not altogether in witness’s line.
Detective Sneddon read a statement made by accused O'Connor. This was to the effect that she met two men whom she knew by sight and took them into the Farmers’ Arms to shout for them.. Afterwards one of those men handed over his overcoat and asked her to take it into the shop and get what she could for it. She didn’t know the man's name. Witness added that witness Smith picked out Kerr from nine men lined up in the yard.
To Mr Hay: Two other people had picked out the wrong man, but they were under the impression they were looking for Campbell. Smith had been shown an old photo of Kerr before being asked to identify him.
Mr Hay considered the evidence lamentably weak. He also said that for the detective to show the witness a photo of Kerr and then ask him to pick him out in the gaol yard was not the way that identification should be carried out.
Kerr’s story was that a coat had been loaned to him by a man named Johnson, so that a slight tear in his trousers might be covered. This coat he returned to Johnson, whose address he did not know. He denied being at the hotel with "the lady in the case." He was there with Campbell.
Chief-detective Lewis cross-examined this accused closely concerning his police record, which was fairly formidable, with a view to discrediting his story.
The Magistrate (Mr Bartholomew) said the evidence against the male accused was too slender. He could not be condemned on his record. His Worship commented on the evidence, which showed that the witness Smith had been shown a photo of Kerr before being asked to identify him in person. This, he said, was quite an improper proceeding.
The Chief Detective explained that the photo had been shown, amongst others, to Smith some time before. This was the usual practice when inquiries were being made concerning suspected persons. The photo was certainly not shown just before identification took place.
His Worship: that, of course, is a different matter. There could be no objection to that. But the witness did not make the position clear.
The male accused was discharged, but the female accused was convicted and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, to be served at the expiration of one month she was at present serving another charge. -Evening Star, 28/8/1923.
Minnie O’Connor elected to be dealt with summarily on a charge of using obscene language in Maclaggan street last night and on a charge of committing a grossly indecent act in the same street. She pleaded not guilty to each charge.
Constable Simons stated in evidence that about 9.45 p.m. he saw the accused committing an indecent act in a doorway. She was in company with a man. As the witness approached the two ran away. He followed them down the street and caught up to the woman, who admitted the offence. Witness arrested her, and the man ran away. The woman resisted violently, and used filthy language. There was a large crowd about. The witness produced a paper said to give a sample of the “language.” This was shown to the accused, who pushed it from her, saying that she did not wish to see it. “It is strange that every time I get into trouble it is through the same constable,” she remarked.
The witness added that he had seen the accused about Maclaggan street in company with Chinese and white men during the week in a state of semi-intoxication.
The Senior-sergeant, submitted her “list,” commenting that it was very lengthy.
The Accused: Yes, it is. I have been behaving myself, your Worship, but they won’t leave me alone,
The Magistrate remarked that there seemed to be no use in placing the accused under the charge of the Salvation Army. She would be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to be concurrent. -Evening Star, 11/3/1925.
POLICE COURT
MINNIE IN TROUBLE.
Minnie O’Connor meekly pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness, wilfully damaging a car to the extent of 11s, and wilfully damaging a cell pan valued at 8s 6d.
Senior-sergeant Quartermain said the defendant had had a row with a man with whom she was living. She was keeping him. For drunkenness the Magistrate imposed a fine of 20s, in default twentyfour hours’ imprisonment. Defendant was ordered to make good the damage in respect of each of the other charges, with the alternative of twenty-four hours’ imprisonment in each case. -Evening Star, 22/4/1927.
POLICE COURT
MONDAY, JANUARY 25. (Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M)
“DRUNKS."
George Ewing Garland. who did not appear, was fined -Os, in default twentyfour hours’ imprisonment.
Minnie O’Connor pleaded guilty to drunkenness, but in respect to a charge of the use of obscene language she said: “Oh, well! I was very drunk. I don't know about the language.’’ — After hearing the police evidence a fine of 20s, or forty-eight hours, was imposed for drunkenness, and on the other charge accused was merely convicted and discharged. The police said there was no one about to hear the “language." -Evening Star, 23/1/1928.
MAGISTRATE’S COURT.
CHRISTCHURCH.
INCORRIGIBLE ROGUE.
On a charge of being an incorrigible rogue, Minnie O’Connor, a domestic, aged forty-four (Mr Burns), was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment with hard labour. On a charge that she importuned passers-by in a public place, the woman was convicted and discharged. A long list of convictions was handed to the Bench. -Star, 12/10/1928.
POLICE RAID HOUSE IN CITY.
MANY CHARGES HEARD IN COURT TO-DAY AS RESULT OF VISIT.
The results of a series of police raids on a house at 15, Truro Street were made apparent in the Magistrate’s Court to-day when a number of charges were heard, resulting in four people being sent to prison for varying periods. The house had been kept under surveillance by five police sergeants and three constables for some time, and had been frequently visited by the police.
Three Months' Hard Labour. Minnie O’Connor pleaded guilty to a breach of the conditions upon which she was admitted to probation. Sub-Inspector O’Hara said that accused was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment on October 12 last, and was released on probationary license on September 11. Since then she had failed to report, and had been consorting with undesirables. She had been found in a house in Truro Street. She had a long list of convictions. "Anything to say?” asked the Magistrate (Mr E. C. Lewey, S.M.) "No, sir,” replied accused. "Three months’ hard labour,” replied the Magistrate. -Star, 1/10/1929.
Before the magistrate, Mr Mosley, Hugh James Collins, aged forty-two, a labourer, and Minnie O’Connor, aged forty-six, were charged with breaking and entering and theft at a draper’s shop, owned by Margaret Brown, in Colombo street on Saturday evening, and were remanded to September 2. Christchurch Press Association telegram.. -Evening Star, 28/8/1930.
AGE OF CHIVALRY IS NOT YET DEAD.
MALE ACCUSED TAKES ALL BLAME FOR THEFT.
A man and a woman were jointly charged with theft this morning, and before sentence was passed the Magistrate (Mr E. D. Mosley) asked the male offender if he had anything to say.
“Yes,” he said, “I feel that if my friend had not been associated with me, she would not have got into trouble. If there is any additional burden to bear, I would like to have it placed on my shoulders. Would you be as lenient as possible with her?"
The accused were Hugh James Collins, alias McMillan, alias Briscoe, a labourer, aged forty-two years, of no fixed abode, and Minnie O’Connor, alias Delia Pine, aged forty-six years. They were jointly charged with the theft, on August 23, of a quantity of ladies’ clothing, valued at £49, the property of Margaret Brown.
The accused pleaded guilty.
A charge of breaking and entering by day the same premises, at 390, Colombo Street, was withdrawn, at the request of Chief-Detective Carroll.
“Shop in Disorder.”
The chief-detective said that complainant, Margaret Brown, was the occupier of a small shop at 390, Colombo Street. She had her livingrooms behind the shop. Last Saturday afternoon she neglected to lock the door of the shop. At 4.30 p.m. she had occasion to go into the shop, and found it in a state of disorder. A quantity of clothing, valued at £49, was missing. The two accused were arrested the same evening at a house in Sydenham, where they were living together. Some of the stolen goods were found on the premises, and later, owing to further information given, the remainder of the goods was recovered. Both accused had other convictions, and Collins at the time was on license, having been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment of receiving.
The Magistrate deliberated for a time over the case, and eventually sentenced the female accused to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour, and Collins to a term of reformative detention not exceeding two years. -Star, 2/9/1930.
"This woman has a long list of convictions for vagrancy, and other similar charges," said Mr Page when he sentenced Minnie O'Connor, aged 48, to three months' imprisonment tor being idle and disorderly in that she habitually consorted with thieves and prostitutes. -Evening Post, 6/8/1931.
SENT BACK TO GAOL
Discharged from prison in November, Minnie O'Connor, aged 50, was sent back to gaol for a further period of three months by Mr. T. B. McNeil, S.M, at the Police Court on Saturday, where she pleaded guilty to a charge of being a rogue and vagabond in that she habitually consented with hieves and other undesirables. Since her release from gaol various constables and plain-clothes men had noted her association with undesirable characters. Counsel for the accused asked for leniency, and said that she had told him that, if given a chance, she would go to Dunedin, where she had friends who would look after her. After leading her "list," which dates from 1903, the Magistrate said she had been convicted at Dunedin on several occasions between 1923 and 1928. If she did have friends there they did not appear to be able to do much for her. -Evening Post, 18/1/1932.
POLICE COURT NEWS.
Minnie O’Connor, alias Delia Pine, aged fifty years, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day on a charge of loitering in Madras Street. “I only came out of Addington on Friday,” she told the Magistrate. “ Well, you are going back,” was the reply she received. -Star, 19/7/1932.
DISORDERLY HOUSE.
John Henry Gilbert, aged 47, was convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonment on charges of being idle and disorderly, and of being the occupier of a house frequented by thieves. Minnie O'Connor, aged 50, and Margaret McDermott, aged 44, were each convicted and sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment on a charge of being rogues and vagabonds, in that they had insufficient lawful visible means of support. Senior-Sergeant J. Fox stated that Gilbert's house had been a source of annoyance to the neighbourhood of Southwark street. -Press, 15/10/1932.
ROW IN PIE SHOP.
Couple Had no Money to Pay for Meal.
SAUCE BOTTLE AS WEAPON.
The circumstances of a disturbance at the “Hole In The Wall,” a pie shop off Manchester Street, were related in the Magistrate’s Court this morning. At one stage a woman was stated to have said that she would kill the manager.
The accused were:
Minnie O’Connor, alias Delia Pine. 56 years of age, described as a domestic, who was charged with using obscene language in Manchester Street this morning, procuring liquor during the currency of a prohibition order. and obtaining credit by fraud to the extent of ninepence from Frederick Frickleton; and John Francis Magneil, a labourer, of Chester Street, who was charged with obtaining credit by fraud to the extent of sixpence. He was represented by Mr Archer.
Sub-Inspector Edwards said that the female accused went to the “Hole In The Wall” pie cart or restaurant and later was joined by Magneil. They both had something to eat and went to walk out without paying. The manager, Mr Frickleton, stopped them, and the woman used the language in the charge sheet. She also told the manager she would kill him and threatened to hit him with a sauce bottle. Magneil said he had a cheque for £15. but could not produce it. Magneil said he had been at a private party that evening but had been separated from his money. He thought when he went to the pie cart that he still had some money at that time. O’Connor was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and Magneil was convicted and fined 10s and costs, in default fourteen days’ imprisonment.
I'll give you a "hole in the wall” muttered the woman O’Connor to Mr Frickleton as she left the dock. -Star, 25/1/1934.
PIE-STALL DRAMA
("Post" Correspondent.)
LATE DINERS FAIL TO PRODUCE THEIR CASH
STIFF PUNISHMENT
Christchurch, Jan. 27. There was a small disturbance at a city pie-stall late last evening, with the result that two late diners appeared in the Magistrate's Court to-day, before Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., and it was stated that they had attempted to depart without paying.
Minnie O'Connor, alias Delia Pine, 56, domestic, was charged with using obscene language in Manchester Street this morning; procuring liquor during the currency of a prohibition order; and obtaining credit to the extent of 9d by fraud, from Frederick Frickleton. John Francis Magneil, a labourer, was charged with obtaining credit to the extent of 6d by fraud from Frederick Frickleton.
Both accused pleaded not guilty. Magneil was represented by Mr. K. G. Archer.
Sub-Inspector G. B. Edwards said that the woman went to the "Hole-in-the-Wall" pie-stall and later was joined hy Magneil. They had something to eat and went to walk out without paying. The manager, named Frickleton, stopped them and the woman used the language complained of.
She told the manager she would kill him, and she threatened to hit him with a sauce bottle.
Magneil, who asked to pay, said he had a cheque for £15, but he did not produce it.
Mr. Archer said that the man went to the pie-cart thinking he had money with him. Some days before he had had a cheque. Counsel had seen it. Last evening he had had 15s in silver, and had visited a private house. There was liquor there and he seemed to have been separated from his money.
The man gave evidence that he had had five cheques on him to a total value of about £45 when he came to Christchurch about 10 days ago. He had some money left at the house where he was staying; he thought there was £2 or £3. When he went to the pie-cart he thought he had some money in his pocket. He did not go there with the woman, but he knew her and when she said she had no money he offered to pay for her. Then he found that he had neither cash nor cheque on him.
O'Connor was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour, for using language, convicted and discharged for obtaining liquor while prohibited, and fined 10s and costs and ordered to pay 9d, in default 14 days' imprisonment.
Magneil was fined 10s and costs and ordered to pay 6d, in default 14 days' imprisonment. As the woman was about to leave the dock she leaned over the end of it and addressed the pie-stall manager in low but earnest tones. All that was audible was the end of her remark, which was "I'll give you Hole-in-the-Wall." -Rotorua Morning Post, 31/1/1934.
KICKED IN RIBS.
Detective Had to Sit on Prisoner.
SHOPLIFTERS CAUGHT.
Minnie O’Connor, fifty-one years of age, and Mary Agnes Vaughan, fifty-nine, were charged in the Police Court, this morning with stealing on April 18 a hat valued at 7s 11d and a pair of bloomers, valued at 3s 6d, the property of Millers, Ltd. Minnie O’Connor was further charged with assaulting an attendant at the shop. A plea of guilty was entered to the charges.
Chief-Detective Dunlop said that Detective Duncan McKenzie was in Millers about 9 p.m. Just prior to that an attendant was informed by a customer that Vaughan had a pair of bloomers in her hands. Apparently, O’Connor had given them to Vaughan to put out of sight. Both O’Connor and Vaughan were taken to the office. They had been drinking and admitted the theft.
Smacked Attendant. When the accused were leaving the shop for the station, accompanied by Detective McKenzie and the attendant, O’Connor knocked the attendant about the head and then smacked her head with a handbag she was carrying. The assault was repeated in the motorcar. Mr McKenzie went to quieten O’Connor, but when he opened the rear door of the car he was kicked in the ribs twice by O’Connor. The only way he could keep her quiet was to sit on her and he had to keep that up until they got to the police station. Vaughan had 117 previous convictions and O’Connor 41, a great many of them for drunkenness.
In a note to the Bench, both the accused apologised for their behaviour. They said that they had had a lot to drink and did not realise what they were doing.
The women were sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour on the charge of theft. O’Connor was sentenced to a further term of fourteen days for the assault. -Star, 20/4/1935.
WOMAN SENT TO GAOL
STRIKES MAN WITH BOTTLE
An incident which occurred about 1 o'clock on Sunday morning when a man was struck on the head with a full bottle of beer in an alleyway off Taranaki Street, resulted in the appearance before Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court today of Minnie O'Connor, aged 53, on a charge of assault. She pleaded not guilty, but after evidence had been heard she was convicted and sentenced to a month's imprisonment.
Leonard Clifford Jacobsen, who appeared with his head heavily bandaged, said that the woman first accosted him, and then a man carrying a bottle of beer came along and asked him for an opener. Witness turned to open the bottle, and received a blow on the head.
Constable F. Thompson said that he went to Taranaki Street, and then to Marion Street. He there saw the accused who said she had hit a man on the head with a bottle because he had tried to steal her bag. She was taken to the station. The remains of the bottle showed that it had been unopened, and had been full of beer.
"This woman has had a varied career, and has been too often before the Court," said Sub-Inspector Dempsey. -Evening Post, 28/12/1936.
A Mary Agnes ("Minnie") O'Connor appears in death notices in December, 1944. It is uncertain whether the Minnie who died then is the one whose "varied career" is chronicled here. Her name, however, ceases to be reported in court news after December, 1944.
No comments:
Post a Comment