IMPORTANT DECISION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 773, 9 February 1877, Page 3

IMPORTANT DECISION.

We take the following from the Mount Ida Chronicle The following case was heard at Naschy on Friday the 2nd instant, before H. W. Robinson, Esq., R.M. “ E. T. George v. L. W. Bnsch.—lnformation that defendant being Mayor of the incorporated Town ef Nasohy did absent himself from meetings of the Council for more than one calendar month, to wit between the 17th of November and the 18th of December last without the leave of the Council, thereby rendering himself liable to a penalty not exceeding LoO. Mr Rowlatt for plaintiff. Defendant conducted his own case, and, after some preliminary objections, pleaded ‘not guilty.’ The Town Clerk, on being examined as a witness, produced the Council minute hook, by which it appeared that there had been two ordinary meetings of the Council summoned between the Kith November and the 18th ‘ December, at both of which the Mayor was

absent, the meetings lapsing in consequence. Two Councillors (Messrs George and I{owlatt) gave evidence to the effect that the Mayor had on various occasions, stated to them that lie would not attend any meetings of tho Council in the daytime. This the defendant emphatically denied. Other witnesses wore called, and, after a lengthy investigation, the Magistrate said lie thought the case clearly proved ; but as a heavy penalty was not pressed for, and as it had been admitted that tho Mayor had been very assiduous in the discharge of his duties, lie would fine him in tho mitigated penalty of 205., Coats of Court, 8,, one witness, 205., and professional fee, L2 2s.—in all L 4 10s.