MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 524, 22 February 1876, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday, February 22. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq, R.M.] Travelling on the Railway without Ticket.—William Smith was charged with travelling without a ticket from Rangiora to Christchurch. The case was fully proved, and defendant was fined 10s. Indecency in the Park.—William James was charged with this offence. The case was proved, and defendant was fined £5. Larceny.—James Johnston was brought up, on remand, charged with stealing an umbrella, the property of Charles Boag. The prisoner was seen to take the umbrella from a trap outside St. Andrew's Church on Sunday last. He was arrested the same day, having previously been seen with an umbrella in his possession. The prisoner, who made no defence, was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour. Forgery.—The adjourned case against Philip Bourgeois for forging the signatures of A. Berg and Carl Magon to a bill of exchange for £l3 14s, was proceeded with. Detective Neil deposed that he arrested the prisoner on the 16th inst on a charge of forging a bill. Prisoner said, "Berg will make it all right, I shall say nothing." Michael Murphy deposed that he kept a loan and discount office in Colombo street. On 29th January last he discounted a bill for £6 10s endorsed by A. Berg, whom prisoner described as a coach-builder in the Papanui road. On 15th February prisoner brought the bill produced for discount. Berg's name was not then on the bill. The bill was drawn by Carl Magon, whom prisoner said was a farmer at the Tai Tapu. Prisoner said he got the bill in payment for money that Magon owed him. Prisoner took the bill away, and the same afternoon brought it back ordorsed "A. Berg." Witness discounted the bill, and prisoner received a cheque and the bill of £6 10s. Witness gave prisoner £5 on the bill at three months for £6 10s. Gave prisoner £ll on the bill for £l3 14s, charging £2 14s discount for three months. Can Magon deposed that the signature on the bill was a forgery. Had had no business transactions with prisoner. J. A. Berg deposed that the endorsement " A. Berg" to the bill produced was a forgery. The prisoner, who made no defence, was fully committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court.

Attempt to Commit a Rape.—The adjourned charge against "William Foote was proceeded with. This case was heard with closed doors, the evidence being untit for publication. The prisoner, who said he was drunk, and knew nothing about the matter, was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court.

Failing to Appear to Recognisances.—• John Kay was brought up on warrant on] a charge of this description. Defendant had failed to appear at the Supreme Court] and had been apprehended under warrant issued by Mr Justice Wi:liams. The defendant wa'a remanded until ttwaon'ow.