RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. PORT CHALMERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3811, 12 May 1875, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. PORT CHALMERS.

Tuesday, Mat 11. (Before T. A. Mansford, Esq., R.M., and Dr Drysdale, J.P.)

BSmugouno. John Carr, a seaman belonging to the ship Timaru, was charged upon the information of Mr Monson, of the Customs Department, with having in his possession 4Jlbs of tobacco, for which he conld give no account. After the evidence of Sergeant Neil, Captain Rankin, and the third officer had been taken, Mr Joyce, who appeared for the defence, stated that the accused, was promised his discharge, and during the voyage frem London hadlOlbsof tobacco supplied to turn, and having only used part brought the remainder ashore without a guilty knowledge, thinking that having paid for it he could bring it on shore. He hoped the Bench would inflict the lowest penalty, which would act as a warning to other stamen.—The Bench ordered the accused to pay a fine of 20s, or be imprisoned for fourteen days with hard labor. URShxp Desertion.— John Carr also pleaded guilty to a charge preferred against him for desertion, and was sentenced to be imprisoned for twelve weeks with hard labor, the captain to have the option of taking him out of gaol should the vessel sail before the expiration of his sentence.

Wednesday, May 12. g (Before T. A. Mansford, Esq. R.M.)

Drunkenness. —Peter Matheson, a miserable looking old man, was charged with being drunk and < disorderly on the old jetty at four o’clock this morning.—Constable Coffey informed the Court that hearing cries of distress he proceeded along the jetty and found Captain Edie, of the p.s. Samson, with his chief officer, getting prisoner out of the water. Means were taken to revive him, when he commenced blaspheming in a frightful manner. Thereupon he was removed to the lock-up and examined by Dr Drysdale, who stated he was suffering from the effects of drink. His Wor- ■ ship fined the prisoner 10s, or forty-eight hours imprisonment. Broaching Cargo. —Malcolm Turner, William Gillespie, and Patrick M‘Laren, seamen belonging to the ship Timaru, were charged with embezzling a quantity of clothing, part of the ship’s cargo, on the 11th of March. Prom the evidence of John Carr, who is under sentence of fourteen weeks’ imprisonment for desertion and smuggling, it appeared that the prisoners, together with witness and the whole of the watch, were engaged clearing the hold •n the day in question and broke open a case, taking out of it ten suits of clothes. Witness, m cross-examination, stated he did not see M*Laren either touch the case or in possession of any of the clothing.—The Bench discharged M Laren, and sentenced Gilespie and Turner to twelve weeks’ imprisonment, with hard labor, and to pay from their wages the sum of L3los each, as part of the value of the stolen pro ► petty. 'h~