RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT PORT CHALMERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3972, 17 November 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT PORT CHALMERS.

Wednesbdat, November 17, (Before T. A, Mansford, Esp, R.M.) Assault. —William Brown was charged with assaulting Ah Mow at Purakanui on the 15t.h inst. Mr Joyce appeared for the complainant, from whose evidence it appeared that he had gone to Woolley’s store to punch se some go 'ds, in payment of which he tendered a five-shilling piece. Defendant caught him by the “ tail” ami turned him round. When he recovered himself his money was gone. Complainant accused the defendant of taking the money, whereupon the latter kicked him and knocked him down.—Defendant was fined 40s and costs, or seven days’ hard labor. Theft,—The before-mentioned prisoner was next charged with stealing a five-shilling piece. The additional evidence was given by David Manaru, who saw the prisoner come out of the store with his hands in his pockets, and shortly afterwards put them to his hat, wheu a fiveshilling piece dropped. Brown picked up the money and put it into his own pocket. - The Bench considered the matter very auspicious, but as no one saw the prisoner t ike the money] they must give him the benefit of the doubt and discharge him.

A Cross Case.— Ah Mow was then charged with st iiling one hat and scarf, of the value of 14s, the propeity of William Brown. -The prosecutor deposed that on the evening of the 15th insoant he missed his hat and scarf, which he left at dinner time at the head of his bunk, and upon making inquiries he was told that the only man who had been there was the prisoner. Witness went to look for him but could not find him. The scarf and hat produced were his pioperty, but the paper then in the hat had been put there.—Sergeant Neil arrested the prisoner close to the courthouse yesterday when he was wearing the hat and scarf produced which were identified as Brown’s. Prisoner then sai l, as he did when arrested, that the articles he bought from a man for 10s.—In defence he now said that while walking into the port he met two men, who stated they were going to O .maru, and they asked him to buy the hat and scarf, which he did for 10s.— His Worship did not consider the prisoner’s account of the property satisfactory, and sentenced him to six weeks’ hard labor.