AKAROA RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 182, 16 April 1878, Page 2

AKAROA RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Friday, April 12. (Before Justin Aylmer, Esq., R.M.) LUNACY.

Julius Arnold, who had been lately sent down here from Christchurch in his official capacity as bailiff, was charged with the above.

Sergeant Ramsay deposed that the prisoner had for some days past shewn signs of mental aberration. He seemed to be afraid of some imaginary persons, who he asserted were following him about for the purpose of killing or injuring him. About half-past twelve on Thursday night he was brought to the lock-up by Constable Ruffle, and from that time up to ten o'clock that day he had certainly been out of his mind.

Mr J. D. Davis, at whose house the prisoner was arrested, deposed that at about seven o'clock on the evening of the 11th inst. the prisoner came to his workshop, and wanted a shake down. He told him he'had better return to the hotel where he was stopping, but to this Arnold replied that he was afraid. He then advised him to go to some other hotel, and offered to pay for his bed if he had no money. Tbe prisoner then went away, and later on, after witness had gone to bed, he was roused by his wife telling him there was a man hanging about the premises. He went out, and again found Arnold, who after some further conversation similar to the above went away. He (Mr Davis), however, determined to watch. About twelve oclock, the prisoner was once more seen prowling about near the house, and on being accosted made a rush for the back door, opened it, and then locked himself in. Assistance was procured, but the prisoner held out against them, until it was thought best to smash the door in. This being done, Arnold ran upstairs -followed by witness and others, and was at length captured and handed over to the police. He did not consider the prisoner had any felonious intent, he seemedto be frightened at something, and as if he wished to hide himself. He (Mr Davis) should say the prisoner was certainly insane at the time. Dr Guthrie deposed that he had examined the prisoner, but had seen no signs of insanity, all his questions being answered perfectly coherently and intelligibly. He had not sufficient grounds as yet to certify that he was of unsound mind, but a further examination might elicit some more tangible evidence. Sergant Ramsay said that Dr Watkins had also examined the prisoner, who was at that time very wild and excited. The Bench remanded the prisoner until 10 o'clock the following morning. The Court then adjourned. Saturday, Aran. 13. (Before H. H. Fenton, Esq., J.P. ; and his Worship the Mayor. lunacy. Julius Arnold, who had been remanded from the previous day for further medical examination, was again brought up. charged with the above, and, on the evidence of Dr. Guthrie, discharged, there not being sufficient proof of insanity. The court then adjourned.