THE COURTS-TO-DAY.

Evening Star, Issue 14932, 19 July 1912, Page 8

THE COURTS-TO-DAY.

CITY rOLICE COURT. (Before J. R. Bartholomew, Esq., S.M.) Procuring Liquor.—Arthur William Moore was charged with procuring liquor during the currency of a prohibition order against him.—He pleaded guilty.—The Sub-inspector explained that the order was issued on April 12 last. —Defendant said ho had taken out three orders against himself, and this was tlm first occasion he had committed a breach.—Convicted and fined 10s. Breach of Motor Regulations.—William Anderson was charged ihat on July 8, at Dunedin, he did drive a motor car without having attached to it a distinguishing mark as required by the. Motor Regulations Act, 1908.—lie pleaded guilty; but explained that two or three hours before the police noticed the absence of a mark there was a mark on the car. It had evidently dropped eft'. —Fined 5s and costs (7e) Disorderly Behaviour.—John Smith was charged that on June 28 he did use obscene language* in a public place—Castle street. He was further charged with being guilty of disorderly behaviour in the same place while drunk.—Mr Hay appeared for the defendant, who pleaded guilty to each charge.—Sub-inspector Cruiekshank paid that on the evening of the day in question Smith went to the house of Mr Marshall, who wa6 related to him through marriage, with the object of looking for his wife! On being refused admission he commenced kicking the door and making use of veryvile language indeed. He continued to misbehave in this manner until the police were summoned.—Mr Hay explained that the whole trouble arose over soma domestic differences, which, had now been set right. There would be no recurrence of the conduct complained of.—His Worship said that although the conduct of Smith had been disgraceful he would be given a chance.— On the first charge he would bo fined £2, with costs (226, i, or in default two weeks' imprisonment ; for drunkenness he would bo fined ss, with costs (7s). A month in which to pay was allowed. Noxious \Veed6.—Henry Lothaby, when charged with failing to clear his "land of gorse and broom said he did not know how to plead, as all the broom that was on his land could bo carried under a man's arm. He was surprised that the inspector had not found out somebody else.—After hearing the evidence of the inspector His Worship imposed a fine of 10s, with costs (7s). —The defendant expressed his thanks, and remarked that if the inspectors brought all the persons up who had broom on their land there would not be enough magistrates in the country to deal with the cases. Alice Martin wrote admitting a similar breach of the Act. and was fined 10s and costs (7s). Henry Pickwill failed to appear, and was similarly dealt with.—John Anderson was mulcted in like degree. Maintenance. —Archibald Leckie pleaded guilty to failing to keep up payments on an order to support his wife, the arrears being £2 10s to June 26, Ho stated that he had not had the money, and was cross-examined by Mr Moore, who represented complainant.—Defendant said that he had had to borrow the last three instalments from his mother, and when he worked for his brother received only his keep and clothes. He had not been able to do hard work for over two years. He would ha.ve consulted a doctor if he had had money. Several of his ribs were broken. He got them broken nine years ago.—Mr Moore : Oive me the name" of one man to whom you have applied for work?— Defendant: I don't think I could. ... I watch the papers.—The Magistrate said be would adjourn the caso lor a fortnight, but defendant would have to satisfy him that his tale was true. At present it seemed to his mind incredible.