MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 304, 3 June 1875, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

OHRISTCHUECH. Thursday, June 3. (Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.) Vagrancy. —John Baker was charged with vagrancy. The defendant was arrested yesterday morning, and became very, violent making use of very obscene language. Defendant had been convicted for drunkenness five times within five months. Defendant said he had been drunk ever since he came into town ; he had a job to go to up country. His Worship said he would sentence prisoner to seven days’ hard labour so that he might become thoroughly sober. Drunkenness. —The following inebriates were dealt with—Margaret Ellison, fined 10s ; Louis Schmid, fined 5s ; James Crawford. Mr Morris said that Mr Crawford was unable to appear, having to go away by an early train. He admitted the offence. Fined 5s ; Josiah Watson and Maddox fined 5s each ; Charles Bush, fined ss; Hugh Henry, fined 20s ; Robert Webber, who was also charged with resisting the police and falling through a window, was fined ss, and ordered to pay damages, and cab hire 2s fid. Assault. —Thomas Hazard was charged with asssaulting R. W. D’Oyley on 19th May. The complainant stated that he went into defendant’s cab, and employed him an hour, for which he tendered 4s, this defendant refused to take, asking for ss; ultimately defendant took complainant’s hat saying that he would retain it for the fare ; afterwards he threw the hat after complainant. Defendant said he was very sorry for what he had done, but he had a great deal of money on his books from people refusing to pay. He had apologised to Mr D’Oyley. Mr D’Oyley said it was quite true ; but he had brought the case forward on public grounds. His Worship—“ You are quite right—defendant had his remedy if he had been aggrieved, he will be fined 20s, and costs 9s fid. ” Kindling a Fire in the Open Air.— James Chambers was fined 10s for kindling a a fire in his garden in Colombo street south, not having given notice. Riding without Reins. —James Julian, charged with riding on a dray with three horses without reins, admitted the offence, and was fined 10s. Plying for Hire without a License. —James Badden was charged with permitting his carriers’ cart to ply for hire without a license on 15th May. Mr Pierce, inspector of vehicles, said that he knew Mr Badden to be the owner of a cart which was standing for hire, and which was not licensed. Defendant was fined 10s. Wm. Pentecost, for plying for hire in a earners’ cart, 'not being licensed as a driver, was fined 10s. Hugh Walker, for a similar offence, was fined 10s. Cab Cases. Andrew McTaggart, the owner of a hackney carriage, was charged with having, on 7th and 11th May, plied for hire, not having the number of his vehicle painted outside thereon. A constable deposed that he saw defendant with his cab in the Papanui road, plying for hire on the days named. Defendant said he was there as a private individual; he denied having plied for hire, His Worship — You are fined

10s, The defendant was further charged with a similar offence on the llch instant. He was fined 10s. The" defendant was charged with having, on the 9th May, neglected to keep two lights burning on his vehicle after sunset, and was fined 10s. Defendant was further charged with standing in front of the Criterion Hotel, that not being a proclaimed cab stand. Dr Poster said he would not press for a conviction as he found that the cabmen were laboring 'under a misapprehension. The case was withdrawn, as were also two more similar cases against the defendant. The defendant was further charged with remaining opposite the Criterion Hotel for two hours. Mr Mellish —“I dismiss the case.” Defendant-**! apply for expenses.” Mr Mellish—“ I shall not allow them,” A case against Daniel Howard for not having his number painted on his cab was dismissed, as Dr Poster 'said he would not press for a conviction as defendant had complied with the law as soon as he could. Thos. Wheeler was charged on two informations with plying for hire on 12th and 13th May without a license; fined 10s in each case. Thomas Hazard was fined 10s for a similar offence, James Dermott, for a similar offence fined 10s. A case against Cornelius Sexton charged with not having his number painted on his cab was dismissed as had complied with the law. William Mallard was fined 10s for plying for hire without a license, James Kearney, for a similar offence, was fined 10s. Henry Jordan, for not remaining in attendance on his licensed vehicle whilst on the stand, was fined 10s. James Hunter, for a similar offence, was fined 10s. James Reid, for a similar offence, two informations, was fined 10s in each case. Defendant was also charged with obstructing a public thoroughfare in Gloucester street, by remaining with his horse and vehicle thereon he not being licensed. This and two similar informations against defendant were at the suggestion of the Bench withdrawn by Dr Foster who appeared for the City Council. Two similar cases against Lorenzo Zuchs and two against George Whincop were also withdrawn as were also five cases against Daniel Howard, Harry Male was charged with obstructing the public thoroughfare in High street, he noticing licensed,[and was fined ! los. Patrick King, for a similar offence, was fined 10s. A similar case against Andrew Clark was withdrawn. James Kearney was charged with not having his number painted on his cab. Defendant said the number was marked on with chalk. Dr Foster withdrew the case. John Barlow was charged with plying for hire in High street without a license. Defendant said he got his license on the day named in the information; it was granted by the City Council the night before. Dr Foster said defendant had been plying since the beginning of the year without a license. His Worship dismissed the case. Rowland Savage, for driving without a license, was fined 10s. Breach of Public House Ordinance. — Inspector Buckley withdrew a charge against a publican named Letford, as the witnesses had left the province. Unregistered Dogs. The following persons were dealt with—William Hibbert, fined 20s; Rd. Henen, 20s; Henry Phillips (three dogs) was fined 60s; Edwin Dixon, 20s. Obscene Language. —James White was fined 20s for using obscene language. Protection Order. —Thomas Wm. Robson was charged with habitual drunkenness, and failing to maintain his wife and family. Mr O’Neil, who appeared for Mrs Robson, said all his client wanted was an order protecting her earnings, as she had been promised support and credit if she obtained one. The Court made the order. Bad Behavior. —Richard Bowen was charged with so conducting himself so as to provoke a breach of the peace. It appeared from the evidence of a Mr Blackburn, that defendant went to the house of Mr Blackburn, and threw a bottle and a pair of boots at the door. Defendant denied having thrown the articles, and said that it was another person who threw them. Mr Blackburn said he had brought the'case forward to put a, stop to the practice. His Worship dismissed the case, at the same time cautioning defendant to be careful as to hia future conduct. Neglecting an Order of Maintenance. Robert Beatty was charged with neglecting to obey an order of maintenance of £1 a week for the support of his wife Janet Beatty. Mr Thomas for complainant. Mr Jameson for defendant, admitted that £5 was due, but contended that the order was made on condition that Mrs Beatty conducted herself respectably. Mr Thomas objected to any evidence being given as to what was said when the order was given, unless it was shewn on the face of the order. Mr Mellish said there was nothing of that kind on the face of the order, but he would hear the evidence. Mr Thomas requested the Court to take a note of his objection. Mr Jameson having given evidence of what took place at the time, the order was made, applied for an adjournment to shew why the order should be varied. Mr Thomas said that if that were done it would be asking the Court to give judgment which would have a retrospective effect. Mr Mellish said that the amount in arrears must be paid with costs, and defendant could then apply to have the order varied. Mr Jameson said he would give the requisite notice to complainant.

Refusing to Maintain their Parents. —William Hall and Alfred Hall were charged with refusing to contribute towards the support of their parents. Mrs Hall said the lads father was very ill, and all she wanted was help until the father was able to work. The eldest defendant (William Hall) said that his father was able to work, but he went loafing in public houses and got black eyes. Mrs Hall said the defendants were able to allow her 7s a week each. It appeared that the younger defendant (Alfred Hall) was a minor, and was employed at 10s weekly. Mr Mellish said that the father should give the employer notice to pay the wages to him. Mrs Hall said that her husband was suffering from rheumatic gout. William Hall, said that he had to pay 10s a week for rent, and 16s into court in a debt case. He was earning £2 a week, and had a wife to support. Mr Mellish said he should order the elder defendant, William Hall, to pay 4s a week towards the maintenance of his parents during his father s illness, ' . Horses and Cattle at Large. —The following cases were dealt with :—James Kearney, fined 5s ; Michael Healey, fined 5s ; William Neighbors, fined 6s. Contempt.— Andrew McTaggart, who had been ordered into custody for contempt of Court during the hearing of the cab cases, was now brought up, and having expressed sorrow for his conduct was discharged from custody,