RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1000, 20 July 1883, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASHBURTON.— To-day,

(Before Joseph Beswick, Esq., R.M.)

Larceny. —David Cairncross, who had been remanded in order that witnesses to haracter might be called, was brought up. Hie had pleaded guilty to the charge, and Mr Loughman, who appeared on his behalf, Stated that the prisoner had taken the things for a lark.—Evidence having been given, the Court sentenced the prisoner to a month’s imprisonment. An Unruly Child. An application made by Mrs Burn ,?to have her son committed to the Reformatory, as he was beyond her control, was refused, His Vorship saying that the boy ought to be set to work, and if he refused he should be whipped. Trespass— Donald Cameron was charged with allowing sheep to trespass on a Crown reserve. Mr Purnell appeared to prosecute, and Mr Loughnan defended. Evidence was called to show that a mob of sheep entered a plantation reserve near the racecourse and trespassed thereon. The Bench said tha'. no doubt the offence had been committed, but it did not appear that much damage had been done. A fine of 20s with costs would be inflicted, but a much heavier penalty would be incurred if a similar case were brought up, as the plantations were for the benefit of the whole County, and must be protected.

Unregistered Dog. A summons issued against F. Lewis for not having registered his dog was dismissed, on the understanding that the register be taken out at once.

. Drunkenness. —A first offender was fined 5s for this offence. CIVIL CASES. Black v. Grigg.—ln this case, which had been adjourned several times, notice of withdrawal had been given, and Mr Purnell applied for costs on behalf of Mr Garrick, the defendant’s counsel. —His Worship said that he would not give a decision until M r Wilding' was present to state his side of the question. Fitzgerald v. Lewis.—His Worship said that he had given consideration to this case, and ho had no doubt there was a guarantee with the horse, and that the animal had been warranted sound, which was proved by £the expert evidence not to be the case. On the other hand there was no doubt that the horse when re-sold by the plaintiff had deteriorated, and L 5 would be deducted on that account. Judgment would be for L 7 19s Gd and costs. —Mr Crisp asked for leave to appeal, which was granted, His Worship saying that ho thought it a very prop.qr case for the Supreme Court. In the following cases judgment went by default Mum v. Pullar, claim, L 5 17s; Alcorn v Collins, Lo 6s 8d; Same v. Gaul, L2 3s 6d ; Gundry v. Hamerton, L2 14s 7d; Martin v. Warne, L 4 9s 5d ; Borough Council v. Smith, L2 ss. Fergus v. McClymont, claim of LlB or recovery of a horse.—Mr Crisp for plaintiff,. and Mr Loughnan for defendant. Judgment was given for plaintiff with costs.