RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Volume 642, Issue 642, 7 August 1874, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, CROMWELL.

Friday, July 31. (Before W. L. Simpson, Esq., TOT.; and J. Loughnan, Esq., J.P.) Assault.—Thomas Herort, of the White Hart Hotel, Cromwell, was charged with assaulting J. R. Cowan, by seizing him by the coat, and threatening to “do for him.” From the evidence it appeared that a common assault had been committed, but not being of a serious nature, the Bench inflicted a fine of 20s, with witnesses’ exposes, 20s ; and costs of Court

Howard v. Bcthune.—The information set out that the defendant caught hold of the informant by this coat, and struck him several times in the face. Mr Cowan for complainant ; and Mr Wilson for defenddnt.

W. S. -Howard, being sworn, deposed— That on Wednesday afternoon he and defendant left Quartz Reef Point together, and proceeded to Perriams Hotel, Lowbnrn. They had been engaged working as mates in a fencing contract. Whilst he and defendant were “ squaring ” accounts a dispute arose over the “ tucker bill,” and defendant then took bold of him and struck him several times in the face—this was in the bar—he then dragged him into the road and gave him a severe “hammering.” He did not detend himself, as be had a weakness in one of liis eyes, and lie wished to preserve it from further injury. Air Welsford, of Clyde, released him from the defendant, or he believed he would have suffered a permanent injury. His eyes wore greatly damaged, the sight being affected. He could hardly see with it now. Ho had been to the doctor and paid for treatment. Did not give Bcthune the slightest provocation. Ur Stirling deposed—He was a duly qualified medical practitioner. Howard consulted him after the assault, andhe had prescribed for him. The eye was very weak, and a blow such as that described would have the tendency to injure it. In his opinion Howard had received a severe handling. S. Welsford, E. Snchall, and A. Clarke corroborated, in Jthe main, Howard’s ovi-de-i'-e.

Mr Wilson addressed the Bench for the defence, and called Francis Egerton ; after which Mr Cowan replied.

The Bench had no doubt that an assault of a serious nature had been committed, aid they could not altogether hold Mr I'orriam, the hotelkeeper, who stood by aid saw the man ill-used without int rforing, as altogether blameless. Whatever grievance or claim the defendant had, Lis duly was to have proc eded to the Court, and not, as it were. defied the law. Hu would be fined L 3 and cists, as follows : liisGd, costs of Court; and L2 Ss, witnesses’ expenses. LI of the fine to go to plaintiff. CIVIL CASES. Perriam v. Jjolin.—Claim for LSO on an 10. U. Mr Cowan appeared, and intimated taat the case had been settled out of Court. lock Won v. Hum Him.—This was a c’ um for L 8 H3. J , principally for opium supplied. Air Wilson for plaintiff, and Mr Cowan for defendant.

Mr Cowan pleaded not indebted—that it was a gambling transaction, and that the P ineiple items being charges for opium c me under the classification of prohibited or contraband goods. Adjourned to next • ourt for attendance of Chinese Interpreter.