MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 30, 4 July 1874, Page 3

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTOHURCH. Saturday, July 4. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. John Snell was arrested by Constable Lamb, for drunkennes, was fined 20s and cautioned. James Clark alias Brusher, against whom there was a long list of previous convictions, and who had only been released from prison the previous day, was arrested by Sergeant Kennedy for drunkenness. He was fined 20s or 48 hours, and received a severe caution. ASSAULT, W. Corbett was charged with using threatening language to James C. Wilkin, collector for the " Lyttelton Times." Complainant stated that, on the previous afternoon, he had a summons to serve on Mr Gourlay. On the way to the station he met defendant, and asked him if he was going to square up his account. Defendant then asked him why he and Briggs had been circulating a report that Mr Gourlay was not able to pay his account, and said that he was going to take out a writ against them for doing so. He then called him "a d mean, contemptible hound," in the middle of Colombo street; He (witness) had a stick in his hand, and threatened to strike defendant with it if he repeated that expression. In cross-examination by defendant, this witness acknowledged having used strong language towards defendant before the interview was terminated. His Worship said that seemingly language calculated to provoke had been used by both parties. He would dismiss the information, and he hoped he would hear no more of it. Case dismissed. Mr Briggs, who was in Court, desired to mention to his Worship that he had never had to put up with such language from any one as had been used to him by Mr Gourlay. CIVIL CASES. Proprietors " Lyttelton Times" against Mr Gourlay. The plaintiffs in this case sought to recover the sum of £3 8s fid for printing done. Defendant had paid £2 Is 6d into Court that morning as payment in full. Mr Corbett, agent for Mr Gourlay, said in the unavoidable absence of the latter, he desired to appear for him.

Mr Briggs, manager for "Tho Lyttelton Times," stated that the work mentioned in the account rendered as produced had been executed, and the posters and bills therein stated had been made use of by defendant. With reference to the handbills mentioned, it was ordered that they should be sent to Lyttelton, and this was done. Mr Gourlay admitted to him that he had made use of the handbills, but objected to pay, as one of the names had not been " thrown up" enough in the bill. The objection taken was to Mr Carder's name, and that gentleman had desired that it should not be placed in large letters. Mr Corbett said that the bills were ordered, but had not been executed according to order. It was the custom in such matters that the principle attraction should be " thrown up," and this had not been the case in the Kaiapoi posters, as his Worship would see. [Here the witness pointed out the principal attraction in the poster to his Worship, which was in smaller letters than bo desired.] The attraction in Lyttelton had been Mr Carder, and his Worship would see that his name had not been kept up as ordered. A receipt had also been given to Mr Gourlay for payment of his account in full. Mr Briggs denied that he had given a full receipt. He had received £4 on account, for which amount credit had been given to Mr Gourlay, and the balance, as would be seen was carried over. When Mr Gourlay made this payment he said he had no more money about him at the time. In reply to Mr Corbet, Mr Briggs said that he had had a great deal of trouble in getting money from Mr Gourlay, and he had gone away when last in Christchurch owing the " Times " an account. His Worship said the delivery of the bills had not been disputed, and if these names had not been printed as required, the bills objected to should have been returned. Ho should enter up judgment for the amount claimed, with costs. Mr Briggs asked for immediate execution, as he had been informed that Mr Gourlay was leaving by the mail steamer at midday. His Worship granted immediate execution, and, in reply to Mr Briggs, said that if the warrant were returned "no effects," he might make further application to the Resident Magistrate at Lyttelton. His Worship said an information had been laid against Corbett for an, assault, and, as he was about to leave the province, he would hear it at once. Robert Beattie v 0. E. Bird and J. H. Bennett ; claim £BB 16a 3d. Mr Slater for plaintiff, Mr Thomas for defendant. Judgment for amount claimed, with costs, £5 9s.