MAYOR'S COURT.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2680, 19 September 1871, Page 2

MAYOR'S COURT.

This Day. . v (Before Ins Worship the Mayo"r.) UNLAWFUL OCCUPATION." ' The remand'd case of W. Hall for disobeying a summons charging him with unlawfully occupying a house in Cumbei land-street was brought forward. His Worship said, that with regard to this ease, he was of opinion that the action he had taken in the matter was correct, and that Farrell's explanation could not be considered fresh evidence, though, if it had hecn, he was of opinion the Bench had power to receive it. 'fhe penalty for the offence was three months imprisonment, but, under the circumstances, he would sentence the prisoner to 14 days imprisonment with hard labor. CHARGE OE TRESPASS. Samuel Turner formerly master of the in-door poor of the Benevolent Institution. Caversham, was charged by Mr Webb With unlawfully trespassing on the ground of such institution. Mr Haggitt appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Stout fbrthe defendant. Mr James Webb, secretary of the institution, said the defendant and his wife had -been jointly in the employ of the institution, and his wife was still employed there. He had, however, dismissed defendant, giving him a month’s wages in lieu of notice. The other day he (Mr Webb) was sent for to the Benevolent Institution in connection with defendant’s proceedings, and on arrival found Turner on the grounds, and on being by him requested to leave, said be should not do it until he had seen his wife. He had had been order d by the committee not to allow Turner there, and the doors had been fastened to keep him out. .On his refusal to leave he gave him into the custody of constable Turnbull. , John Scott said the defendant came to the Benevolent -Institution about one o’clock and said he wished to see his wife, but he had instructions from Mr V/ebb not to admit him to the place at all. He said he wanted to see his wife in private,’ bat his wife did not want to sep him. He said he would force his way in, and rang the bell. Witness then sent for Mr Webb. Constable Turnbull said he proceeded yesterday yyith Mr Webb to the Benevolent Institution, and found the prisoner sitting under the porch in a chair, HP told him to leave, .but he said he would not until he had seen his wife, and Mr Webb gave fiiui- into custody. Mr Stout contended that’under the Act no person but.the owner or opoupier ,pf premises had power to give a trespasser'in charge, and there was no evidence to prove Mr Webb bad the authority. By law, defendant was entitled to his wife's custody, and he had gone there believing he had such right, and it was monstrous to give a man in charge for going to see his, wife. Mr Haggitt. for plaintiff, said Mr Webb as secretary had power to act for the institution. His Worship said, in his opinion, the defendant did not have reasonable excuse for remaining on the ground after being warned off by the officer, and if such conduct was permitted it might lead to .serious results. He thought the purpose of the institution in pressing the charge would be answered if he cautioned the defendant this time, and dismissed the case. VAGRANCY. John Goodlake, a miner, was charged with vagrancy. Inspector Thompson recommended the case should be remanded until the prisoner’s brother was communicated with, and he had been examined by Dr Hulnie. He understood his. mind had been affected through large losses at the diggings. Remanded for seven days. PILFERING. John Randall, a young lad, was charged with pilfering firewood. , He was accompanied by r his father, who expressed regret for his misconduct, and promised to look after him in future. His Worship dismissed the case.