MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 642, 10 July 1876, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Monday, July 10. (Before G. L. Mellish, Esq, R.M.) Drunk and Annoying Passengers.— Thomas Preston was charged with being drunk and annoying passengers in a railway carriage on the Lyttelfcon and Christchurch line of railway on Saturday afternoon last. The charge was proved on the evidence of two witnesses. Accused expressed his regret for his conduct. His Worship inflicted a fin« of 208, adding that it would be better if the railway authorities would not allow drunken men to travel in the carriages to the annoyance of passengers. If they had to be brought to town, they should be placed in the guard's van. Drunk and Disorderly. Mary A, Kirkwood, an old offender, was fined 20s. H. F. Allen, charged with drunkenness, did not appear when called. His Worohip allowed the case to stand over until the following morning, when, if accused does not then appear, an order will be issued to show cause why the recognizances of bail ehall not be estreated. John Kelly was fined 40s. Horses and Cattle at Large.—For permitting horses and cattle to wander in public thoroughfares the following persons wore each fined 5s :—John Sawyell, William Hall, H. Wright, William Ormandy, S. Sumdere, B. Patrick, S, Dunham, and W. A. Herbert. Breach of City Bye laws.—For permitting his chimney to catch on fire, M. D. Barsht wes fined 10s;' for neglecting to keep a light buvniug on some building materials in High street, S. Meager was fined 10s; J. L. Fleming, summooed for obstructsng Tuam street with a cart, was fined 10s ; Thomas Haskett, similarly charged, was also fined 10s J. Kingdon, G-. McLean, and S. Wilson, sui moned for driving without suffirisnt reins, 'ere each fined 10a; for tethering a horse in Cambridge terrace, T. Cooper was fined 10s. Unregistered Dogs.—J. W. Partridge, summoned for having an unregistered dog in his following, was fined 20a. Using Obscene Language.—Alexander Bcatrie, cabman, charged with using obscene language in Gloucester street, was fined 10s. Edward O'Nei). for using improper language at |the race course, Tai Tapu,- and striking one of the committee, was fined £l. Displaying Goods from Shop Fronts. G. L. Beath was summoned for obstructing the footpa'h in High street, by allowing blauketp, Sec, to hang from the front of his premises. Sergeant Wilson gave evidence of the goods projecting over the footpath, and stated that in this instance there was no space to aljow of the goods beicg displayed

from the shop front without causing obstruction. In some caßes the shop fronts were a few feet back from the edge of the path, and the occupiers of such premises were enabled to display their goods without encroaching. As an information could not be laid against theße persons, it caused dissatisfaction to the others whose places fronted on to the footpath. Inspector Buckley told his "ft orßhip that these informations had been laid at the desire of the City Council. The defendant said that he had been in the habit of displaying his goods for along time in a similar manner without its being objected to. Mr Ick, who had brought this matter before the City Council, had blankets hanging a few days ago from the front of his own premises, which caused a far greater obstruction than his (defendant's) goods had done. His Worship said an obstruction had been proved, and he would have to impose a fine of 10s. A similar information was laid against Mr B. Cass, Caahel street. It was shown that defendant had not hung out trousers as stated in the evidence, and as a mistake had been made in the description of the goods his Worship dismissed the case. In reply to defendant, as to whether he could continue to display his goods if he kept them tied, his Worship said that tbat matter would have to be settled with the City Council. If the Council permitted its being done, the police no doubt would not i n t o r fgtg Wife Desertion.—Valentine Schott appeared to answer this charge. An arrangement had been come to between the parties, defendant promising to allow his wife 15s a week. His Worship consented to the arrangement, and made an order for that amount to be paid weekly iDto Court. ASSAULT.—Richard Searle was charged on summons with having assaulted his wife at Phillipstown on the sth July. The complainant, who appeared in Court with a black eye, stated that her husband was in the habit of assaulting her and keeping her short. She would like to be separated from him, as he had often threatened her. Defendant said his wife was in the habit of calling him a murderer and other bad names, which made him lose his temper. She was also in the habit of taking drink. In reply to the Bench Sergeant Wilson said he knew the paities, and drink had a little to do in both cases. Defendant was ordered to find one surety of £lO, and himself in £2O, to keep the peace for twelve months.

LYTTELTON. Monday, July 10. (Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M.) Wilful Damage to Public Property. —Albert Milshaw and George Thompson, arrested by constable Daly, were charged with this offence. Constable Daly said that at 11 p.m. on Saturday night he saw accused near a lamp which had been recently broken, and on charging them with doing it, thoy both acknowledged having thrown stones at it, saying they had no money and no place to sleep, and that they did it in order to be locked up. Accused were quite sober, Xbe Bench sentenced accused to one week's irnpjisonment. Assaulting Chief Officer of Barque ESPECULA.DOR.—John McDermot, steward of the Especulador, was charged with this offence. It appeared that accused had not only assaulted the chief but had endeavoured to force Constable Devine over the wharf when the latter was sent to arrest him. Fined 403, or, in default, a week's imprisonment.