RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 259, 15 September 1874, Page 6

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Monday, September 7".

(Before D..A. Jolly, Esq., and James Corse, Esq.,J.P: S .) LA.RCENCY.

John Brady, charged' with stealing a horsecollar from the stable of Starkey's Kawarau Hotel, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month's imprisonment in Clyde gaol, with hard labour. . .

Friday, September 11, 1874. (Before W. Lawrence Simpson, Esq., R.M.) CIVIL case. . Max Gall and Co. «; J. E. Cowan.—This was an adjourned case, in which £.2 3s. 6d. was claimed for medicine supplied. Since last Courtday, £1 15s. had been paid, into Court. Mr Cowan now called witnesses to prove that the charges for different items were excessive. Henry Hotop,, chemist, Clyde, said' he had reduced his prices for medicines lately. Previously, when Max Gall was looking after the business there, the charges made were the same as those in Mr Cowan's account. These charges were high on certain items, and for some of them half the price would give a fair profit.—Dr Corse also deposed to the high charges made in the account.

Mr Cowan said he had disputed the bill because Dr Stirling was a partner of Mr Gall at the time, and it was on the Doctor's prescription that he was supplied with the medicines. It was a matter of public notoriety in the district that Dr Stirling manifestly misunderstood his case, and gave him medicines which did him harm rather than good. He thought it had been proved that the charges were excessive.

Mr Wilson said he was sorry the Bench had the ungracious task of judging in such a case, which had merely arisen out of professional and local jealousies. Gentlemen did not generally haggle about whether sixpence or a shilling were a fair charge for a pill or a powder. The Magistrate gave judgment for £1155., and costs of Court.

Monday, September 14. (Before James Corse, Esq., J.P.) drunkenness. Walter Edwards, charged with this offence, was fined 20s.—A. Johnstone forfeited bail of 20s.