MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1038, 23 October 1877, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Monday, October 23. [Before G-. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M., and Edward Curry, Esq., J.P j Selling without a License. —The following evidence in the case against Mary Burns for selling a quantity of whiskey less than two gallons was given alter we went to press: Other evidence of a corroborative character was led. The defendant stated that she had given McDonald a glass of brandy, as he was complaining of suffering through drink. She also, at his request, gave his mate a glass, but she positively refused to accept payment. Her evidence was corroborated by a young woman and another witness. A young man named Barnell deposed that McDonald had told him that he had stayed about Mrs Burns’s place for three weeks with the view of getting an information; but the case was a very weak one, and he was afraid to bring it into Court. McDonald also voluntarily stated that he was paid for it. Another witness, Hayes, stated that McDonald had also told him that he was paid for the work. Mrs Woods had asked McDonald lust Monday if he was going to swear falsely in her husband’s case, and he replied that a poor man would do anything for money. The case was dismissed, no expenses being allowed. James M oods, jun., pleadedSguilty, through Mr Izard, to selling a quantity of beer lessthan two gallons. He denied the charge in another case in which he was accused of selling less than two gallons of whiskey. The Court fined the accused £2O on the first case, but dismissed the second, remarking the evidence was open to doubt; but the house was a crying evil in the district —indeed, one of the greatest sly-grog shanties in Canterbury. Wilful Destruction. —Frederick John Lipshan was charged with destroying five rails and two posts in the railway fence at Wilson’s Crossing, Papanui. The accused, a mere boy, had, it appeared from the evidence, set fire to a gorse fence, from which the llames had passed to the railway property. The boy was dismissed with a severe caution, the father paying the damage, os. Offensive Matter.— The case of Edward Hammond, in which accused was charged with allowing offensive matter to flow from his premises, "was recalled, and accused was fined 10s. Threatening Language. —James Q-len was charged with using threatening language to Oliver, a licensed carrier. He admitted having used abusive language, and was ordered to pay the costs, 21s. Assault. —Thomas Geling was charged with assaulting Joseph Watson, barman at Mr Webb’s Bush Inn. Mr Thomas appeared for the complainant. Accused was fined 20s and ordered to pay costs. Abusive Language.— Joel Seal was charged with using abusive language towards Catherine Skellar. The accused was ordered to pay the costs of the case. Failing to Support. —Michael Murphy and John Murphy were charged with failing to support their mother. The first did not appear, but John Murphy stated that he was not able to give his mother outside support, but she was welcome to live in his house. Mr Bamford appeared for Mrs Murphy, who said that her son Michael had ordered her to leave his office as he was no more to her than any other man. John had offered to take her to his place, but she preferred to live apart during the end of her life.—John Murphy deposed that his mother was better off than he, as she had sold properties within the last two years worth £2BO. lie always made her welcome at his house. Not long ago she had paid £7 15s on account of her younger son. He was willing to support his mother, but could not pay her money.—Mr Bamford said it was a most cruel case, and the plea urged by John could not be advanced by Michael Murphy, who was well enough off.—Mrs J. Murphy, said that she was as willing as her husband to give the old woman a home, but her drunken habits was a source of constant grief and annoyance —The Court ordered Michael Murphy to pay 7s fid and Jolm Murphy 2» fid a week towards the support of 'their mother, the amount to be reduced in the event of her not keeping sober. Tuesday, October 23. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.J Drunkenness. —Henry F. Allen was fined 10s and cab fare ; James Hayes, 10s. 1 Horse-stealing.— Carl Gustafer Klint was charged on remand with horse-stealing. Inspector Buckley stated that Klint had been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at the late sittings of the Supreme Court. —The case was therefore adjourned sine die. Child Desektijn. —Mary McCauley did not appear in answer to a summons charging her with the desertion of her child; neither did the child’s father, w r ho sued her. Larceny of Revolver. —Lewis Justland, a colored hoy, was charged on remand with the larceny of a revolver, value £B, belonging to Antonio Egerer. —Having heard evidence the Court sentenced the accused to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor.