MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 590, 10 May 1876, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH.

Wednesday, May 10. [Before G. L. Lee, Esq., J.P.] Drunk and Disobderly. Johanna Conner, an old offender, was brought up for this offence, and lined 60s. Robbery from a Shop. —Peter Harrison, and David John Hearmen were charged with stealing several boxes of watches, and a pipe from the shop of Henry Gardiner. From the evidence given it appeared that the prisoner had been in the habit of going into the prosecutor’s shop and making either enquiries or very trivial purchases. In every instance something was missed after the hoys had left. The mothers of both prisoners were in Court, and said it was the drst time their sons had ever been guilty of such conduct. The Bench ordered them to be each imprisoned for six hours and to receive a good whipping. Assault.— John Edward Saunders was brought up on remand, charged with violently assaulting Caroline Robson. Inspector Buckley produced a medical certificate which stated that the prosecutor was still unable to attend. The case was remanded till Saturday. Married Woman Protection Order.— Mark Kane was charged with neglecting and assaultng his wife, D. Kane, who applied for a married woman’s protection order. The complainant deposed to systematic neglect

and cruelty. The defendant denied the offence and said his wife always kept the house and children in a dirty condition. It was quite evident that their home was a very unhappy one. The Bench recommended both complainant and defendant to go to a solicitor and get a deed of separation drawn up, that was the best thing, they could do. The parties [agreed with his Worship and left the oourt with the understanding that they were to come up again in a week. Indecent Assault. —Charles Newman was charged with indecently assaulting a little girl named Catherine Elizabeth Powditch, six years of age. Mr O’Neil appeared for the prisoner. The case was Imard with closed doors. The evidence of the little girl showed that on the day in question the prisoner had taken her into a stable and committed the offence complained of. The other witnesses examined were the mother and brother of the child and the medical man who examined her (Dr Bell Haye). The Bench, in giving judgment, said there was just sufficient doubt on his mind to prevent a conviction, although the doubt was but a shadow. The case would be dismissed.

RANGIORA. Tuesday, May 9. (Before 0, Whitefoord, Esq., R.M., and A. H. Cunningham, Esq ) Cattle Trespass Ordinance. —C. Candler was fined 10s, and Kene Hapahaba 6s, for allowing horses to stray. Assault. —ln the case of G Bruere v;G. McCullum Mr Clark appeared for defendant, and said his client had written, saying he had met with an accident and could not attend. In reply to the Bench, complainant said he heard accused had been engaged in a fracas, and sustained bruises which had laid him up. He produced the stick used by accused (which was tied up in paper), and asked the Court to take charge of it, The Bench thought such a weapon should be handed to the custody of the police, and adjourned the case seven days. ■ Police Ordinance.—S. Nelson, whose case for using abusive language towards constable Haddrell on the railway platform had been adjourned at last Court, called in his defence J. Webber, H. Price, R. Hilliar, and J. Whitelaw. The Bench considered the case-proved, but it was somewhat modified considering the forcible way in which Nelson was put from the platform, and the excitement he was in at the time. While the police were necessary at the stations, the Court thought it would be better if the station officials kept the crowd back in times of pressure, and only called in the aid of the police when any disturbance was being made. Accused was fined 10s and costs. Publichouse Ordinance. —J. Lewton, licensee Junction Hotel, was charged with supplying drink to persons in a state of intoxication. Constable Haddrell stated he entered the hotel after 11 p.m. on the sth, when he found two men tipsy, and with diink in front of them. R. Aherne and sergeant Morice gave evidence that one of the parties was drunk. Accused, in defence, said he had gone upstairs to put three lodgers to bed when the two men forced their way into the house, as it was not quite closing time, and took up some beer which had been left. T. Thompson said he saw Lewton put one of the men out previously, and he did not think the other was worse for drink. The Bench, remarking there was no doubt about one man being drunk, inflicted a fine of 10s and costs.

Vagrancy. —James Ferguson, on whom was found a threepenny piece and a specification of a contract, was charged by Sergeant Morice with obtaining money and other obligations by false pretences. J. Ward stated accused had obtained drinks from him on a pretence of showing him where he would get work. He paid 15s hire of horse and vehicle to convey them to the Oust, then advanced a loan of ss, to be repaid next day, Out of £5 which accused said he was to receive for work done. Next ha paid their fare to Oxford in the hunt for a supposed contract. T. Hersey stated accused obtained 10s and 20s from him in a similar way. Both witnesses said they advanced the sums in consequence of representations made that accused had a contract which they could enter into. The Bench cautioned accused, who was a young man, that while he would have another chance to work for an honest livelihood by the dismissal of the case, if brought up again he must be severely dealt with.