RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Evening Star, Issue 3726, 1 February 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Monday, February 1. (Before J. Bathgate, Esq., R.M,)

Drunkenness. —Christian Tonsen, William Dreaver, aud 'James Dawkins were each fi led ss, with the option of forty-eight hours’ imprisonment; Lewis Murcot was discharged with a caution ; John Travers was lined 10s. in default three days’ imprisonment j James|Barkrr, 20s, or six days’; Thomas Kennedy, 40a, or fourteen days'; Bridget Kane, L 5, or fourteen days.’ I'heft. —Hannah Scott was charged, cn the information ot William Hall, of Bristol House, with stealing from his premises one merino dress, of the value of L 4, on January 24. The charge was proved, and the case adjourned for a fortnight to enable the accused to bring evid>nee as to character; accused to be admitted to bail in the meantime on her husband’s recognisance of L2O Indecency.— Bridget Kane and Jeremiah Mee were charged with committing this •offence iu the Southern Recreation Ground on Saturday evening.—The man, who pleaded that this was the first time he had been in a court, was sent to gaol for two months, the woman for one year—there being fifty-nine convictions for potty offences recorded a ainst her.

Murder.— John Walter was charged, on remand with murdering James Amos Holmes at North Hast Valley on the ifith instant, by stabbing him.—Sub-Inspector Mallard asked that the charge of murder now pending might be withdrawn, as the Coroner’s jury had returned a verdict of manslaughter against the accused. The Crown Prosecutor could still indict for murder if he thought fit.—Bis Worship: in this case there is rather a conflict of jurisdiction. The accused is apprehended on an information laid by the police, brought before the City Magistrate and then remanded. The Coroner holds his usual inquest, and upon the verdict he oommits the prisoner Now, it appears, I have an awkward conflict between the two authoties, and yet it is strictly according to law, and in the circumstances I do not think I can interfere any further in it; although more justice would be done to the accused by his examination in this Court, where, under the Justice of the Peace Act, he has more latitude allowed him in cross-examina-t on, and may appear by counsel. It is almost a hardship to the prisoner for the Coroner to commit where the charge is already before the City Magistrate.-The oharge was withdrawn, and prisoner stands committed for trial for manslaughter.