MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 607, 30 May 1876, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHUBOH. Tuesday, Mat 30. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq, 8.M., and G. L. Lee, Esq., J.P.] Drunkenness.—An inebriate, for this offence, was fined ss; and James Shrader, for adding to the offence of intoxication that | of wilful destruction of property, was ordered to pay 20s. Larceny.—George Bice was charged with stealing several rakes from the shop of Mr Pillow, Colombo street. The evidence showed that the prisoner had gone to the door, in broad daylight, and taken the rakes: away in view of the passers by. His conduct! throughout was very strange, and in Court he conducted himself in a manner that led to the belief that he hardly knew what he was doing. The Bench remarked that he could not be right in his head, and dismisne d the case. LYTTELTO*. Tuesday, May 30th. (Before W. Donald, Esq, 8.M.) ... Lunacy.—Stephen Woodrid, accused of this offence, was committed to the lunatic asylum on the certificates of Drs Donald and Bouse. Ciyil Cases.—ln the case of G. Taylor v Wootton ; claim £46 lis 9d, adjourned from Friday last. The Bench delivered the following judgment:—" This is a suit for damage sustained by non delivery of certain goods shipped in England, to be delivered at Lyttelton. Defendant, by New Zealand Shipping Company, detained goods for freight, claiming lien owing to non payment of freight in London. Plaintiffs' solicitor argues that the company have no status, as bill of lading sets out that J. and R. Grant appear as owners. 2nd. That as bill of lading sets out that freight and primage are to be paid by shippers in London, they cannot now claim lien here. I consider that the weight of authority is that, charterers for a lump sum are to be taken as quasi owners as regards the ship's earnings, and liabilities of carriage. 2. That as a recognised agent of ship, acting .on behalf of charterers, signed the bill of lading, making freight, &o, payable in London, they cannot now claim freight and establish a lien to the injury of the innocent consignee who, on the faith of that bill of lading, has already been charged with and paid freight and charges. N.Z.L. It M.A. Co. v Wootton, captain of barque Inverdrnie. This was a claim for £6O, for damage done to oil in tins in transhipment from London to Lyttelton. Mr Garrick appeared for plaintiff. Judgment for plaintiff for £56 12a 6d, and costs.