MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 577, 25 April 1876, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday, April 25, (Before G-. L. Lee and John Ollivier, Esqs., J.P’s.) The Justices' took their seat upon the Bench at half-past eleven o’clock. Drunk and Disorderly.—An inebriate was fined 10s for this offence. Forgery.—Allan Wright was charged with forging a receipt for the payment of £2O. Inspector Feast asked for a remand, as the prisoner had only been apprehended a short time. Prisoner was remanded until to-morrow (Wednesday). Larceny.—Daniel Harmer was charged with stealing a telescope. Detective Bet tington, who arrested the prisoner, stated that the latter had told him that he was subject to kleptomania, and that his fingers itched to get hold of anything he saw. Thomas Mann deposed he lived at Crescent road, St Albans. The prisoner was a shipmate of his, and came out with him in the Queen Bee. He dined with witness on the sth of March. Subsequently missed a telescope (produced). Prisoner had no right to take it away, or dispose of it. It was worth half a guinea. S. Cohen, pawnbroker, deposed to the prisoner pledging the telescope at his establishment. Prisoner, in defence, said he found the telescope in his pocket. He had no intention of taking it. Sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, there being a previous conviction against the prisoner, KAIAPOI. Monday, April 24. (Before C. Whitefoord, Esq, R.M.) Cattle Trespass Ordinance.—James Kinley, G. Kinley, John Kinley, and G. P. Milsom, owneis of horses straying, were respectively fined 10s and costs 6s 6d. The inspector of police pressed for heavier fines, as the Borough Council had written to him complaining of the damage done to trees and paths. The Magistrate remarked if the police were active they might prevent much of the damage referred to.

Tibes Obdinance.— A case against W. Lundy, drayman for Vincent and Co, for driving a four horse waggon with only 2in tires, was adjourned, the accused telegraphing from Christchurch that he had made a m stake in the date of the summons. Violent Assault. —Robert Hopkins was charged, on the infoimation of his wife, that he did beat and violently assault her on the 18th. Mary Hopkins stated h-r husband, her brother, and herself were at breakfast, when the former asked if the pigstyehid been cleaned yet. She replied no. He dragged her out, saying he would make her do it, kicked her, choked her, tore her bonnet off and put it on the fire, then laid her on the bed and beat her with a broom handle. Ha then told her she might take her swag and he should take his. In reply to the Magistrate, witness said accused had been beating her for years. He made her catch and feed the horses in a morning. He had threatened to take her life, and she was afraid of him. On the 11th he eaid’he would sacrifice her. For several weeks he had been away, stopping at Mrs Greer’s. She wished for separation and a maintenance. David Boyd, brother of last witness, said he did not wish to give evidence, but, in reply to questions, corroborated what had been stated, adding that on this morning Mrs Hopkins asked accused if he would have his breakfast in bed. Accused, in answer to the charge, said he had nothing to say; the affair had been stated as it happened, but he did not act in quite so savage a manner as detailed. Being irritated that the work was not done he flew into a passion. The Magistrate, addressing accused said— You make no defence, and it appears you behaved in a disgraceful way. I shall not give you the option of a fine. The only thing you seemed to think justified you in your disgraceful conduct was that your wife did not do unwomanly work. For this you assaulted her, whom, when there was no one to defend, you, as her husband, were already pledged to protect her. As probably you you would pay the amount of a fine, and then laugh at the Court, I shall send you to gaol for fourteen days to undergo hard labor. Witnesses to be allowed costs. Slaughtebhouse Obdinance —William Bckersley and Co applied for a license to slaughter sheep and pigs at their boiling down factory, Ohoka. The magistrate asked if there were any objectors present. S; Bradley said he still objected, and if the license was granted, would bring the matter under the Public Health Act The magistrate said he had the opinion of the inspector of police, and as Mr Bradley had said it was such a nuisance he had visited the factory. There was no smell whatever, and it would be difficult to find a yard better kept. He had also the opinion of medical gentlemen that there was nothing prejudicial to the health of the district. The offal was carted ■away altogether, and the pig yard was clean, A great amount of capital had no doubt been invested in the undertaking, while the provisions for cleanliness were better than he had seen even in the neighboring colonies. The license would be granted. Mr Bradley said he should wait till the works began, and then take further proceedings. Wipe Deseetion. —William Knight was charged with deserting Elizabeth Knight. Prosecutrix said her husband had not contributed to her support since December 30th. On March 14th she wrote asking him what he intended to do. She was afraid to live with him. Accused said he had kept a house for her nine days after the last time they were at court, and as she did not come back he went out as a single man threshing. She idtreated him, and if she was to live with him would have to be bound over. The Court made an order for accused to pay 10a a week from April last.