RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2783, 18 January 1872, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

This Day. (Before A. 0. Strode, Esq., R.M.) APPICATION POR A SLAUGHTERING LICENSE. Mr Harris, for J. S. Wilson, stated that he had made inquiries to ascertain whether the slaughter-house on Maori Hill was on a road line or not, and called Mr Connell, of the firm of Connell and Hoodie, who stated that he did not think the slaughter-house was on a road line. His Worship, in consideration of the evidence of Mr Connell, and the memorial of the residents in the neighborhood, granted the application. CHARGE OP ASSAULT. D. Bcthune was charged, on the information of Richard Pearson, with assaulting him at 7.30 p.m. on the 11th of January. Mr Catomore for the complainant, and Mr Stout for the defence. The cause of the quarrel appeared to have arisen out of an attack upon complainant’s dog. The simple facts were that two dogs, one belonging to complainant, were either fighting or playing, which raised the wrath of the defendant, who threw a stone at and kicked the complainant’s dog in the ribs so violently as to send him into the middle of the street, whereupon Pearson remonstrated, and Bethune told him if he would give him a shilling he would serve him the same. Words about other matters passed, one complimenting the other by telling him to pay his debts, and ultimately Bethune seized Pearson by the beard and shook him, Pearson did not strike in return. Witnesses were called. Mr Stout, for the defendant, admitted the seizing of Pearson by the beard, but said the defendant did so to prevent Pearson striking him with a whip which was raised in a threatening manner. There was a second information charging Bethune with a second a quarter of an hour after the first. According to complainant’s statements, he had mounted his horse in order to ride home, and while stopping to speak to one M'Culloch about some lambs, Bethune went up and without ceremony threatened to “ pull his limbs small, and forthwith he tried to pull him from his horse, and in so doing tore his clothes. M'Culloch and Bethuue’s wife contrived to get the excited Bethune into the house. The evidence of M'Culloch went to show that he was called by Pearson into the middle of the street to speak of some business matters, when Bethune followed, and, after some wordy sparring, Bethune acted as described. His Worship considered that the defendant was decidedly to blame in the first instance, and fined him 20s and costs. The second information was dismissed. Mr Stout asked for costs, which were granted. Susan King was charged, on the information of - - Beadle, with assaulting him by throwing a bucket of slops over him.