MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 24, 27 June 1874, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday, June 27. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) DRUNK AND INDECENT EXPOSURE, fra, J. McGuinness for being drunk and indecently exposing himself at the Christchurch Railway station, was fined £3, or in default one week’s imprisonment. DRUNK AND CREATINE A DISTURBANCE;. Daniel McNamara was arrested for being drunk and creating a disturbance at the Railway station. Constable Firman stated that the accused had been given into his custody, on the charge of being drunk and using bad language in the last train from the Rakaia. The guard stated that by the last train from the Rakaia, the previous night, the prisoner was a passenger, he was drunk and creating a disturbance in the • train, and he (the guard) had to remove some ladies from a carriage through the language that had been used by the accused. When they reached Burnham he learnt that prisoner had struck a passenger. He then removed him into the guard’s van, and when they arrived at Christchurch- he gave him into custody. Another witness gave similar evidence. His Worship said there was a great deal of this disgraceful conduct going on, to the annoyance of railway passengers. He did hope that the guard would refuse to allow drunken men to travel by the railway. The prisoner had been proved to have been using disgusting language, and a stop must be put to such conduct. Fined £2, or in default one week’s imprisonment. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. George Smith, for this offence, was fined 20s. John Lane, who had been suffering from the effects of drunkenness, and remanded for a week for medical treatment, was again brought up. Mr Reston, chief gaoler, stated that the accused was now recovered. He had been very shaky, and it would be necessary for him to abstain from drink for some time, else he would be sure to have a relapse. Defendant promised he would endeavor to abstain from drink for the future, and was discharged.

KAIAPOI. Friday, June 2(5. (Before G. L. Hellish, Esq , and E. G. Kerr, v Esq, Mayor.) VIOLENT ASSAULT.

Thomas Edlin and Henry Murlit were charged on the information of Inspector liarsham with violently assaulting Margaret Antill at Woodend on the 13th inst by throwing stones. W. H. Walton, a lad, stated he was with the accused. Edlin’s elder brother threw a rail under Mrs Autill’s verandah. Witness and one Gibbs, who ran away, were afterwards told by accused that they had been throwing stones at Mrs Antill’s house, and thought they had broken the windows, Witness heard stones rattle on her roof. The elder Edlin said he had rolled a stone into the old woman’s house.

George Gibbs, another lad, stated he was in the company of accused on the 13th. He and last witness ran away when the rail was thrown under Mrs Antill’s verandah. The accused afterwards came up with a concertina, and said they had shied stones on the roof, and the old woman had been singing out. * To .the -Bench—Went to Mrs Antill’s because we heard she was drunk, and intending to have a lark with her. At this stage the Court had to be adjourned, and a constable was sent with a buggy to Woodond for the complainant. Margaret, Antill stated that stones were thrown on her house. She went out, when a shower of stones and gravel was thrown at her, wounding her in the face and arms. The windows were broken, and the stones produced were found inside by the inspector. (One of these weighed about 2lbs.) She knew the boys by their voices, and heard Murfit say, “ Fire away.” To Mdrfit—Heard you say, “ Fire away.” J. Conway and R. Whitlow, called by the accused, said that Mrs Antill had a black eye previous to the 13th, but had not complained of other injuries. A letter was put in from Mr M‘Donald, Waikuku woolworks, testifying to the good character of Edlin. ~r .

J. Conway said they were both quiet lads. He looked on Murfit as a superior hoy. R. Liggett said Edlin was a quiet, soft hoy, and had been led astray by others older.

G. S. Palmer, who had employed Murflt three years, said he was trustworthy and honest. Did not think he had been mixed up in any of the queer-affairs about Woodeud. Edlin always had seemed a quiet boy. The Bench said they were'loth to deal heavily with the accused after the high character given them. They had been led astray, and the Bench did not wish to put a stain on the boys’ characters by sending them for two months to gaol. There had been a deal of blackguardism going on at Woodend which they intended to put a stop to, and the accused might mention it to others that the Bench would certainly send some of the boys to the Industrial school for a term if they were found guilty of such conduct. Edlin, in reply to the Bench said his age * was ten, his wages were 16s a week.. Mnrfit said his age was sixteen, and his wages were 27s a week. : ,

Fined £3 each and ordered to pay damages and costs, amounting to 295.