MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1342, 3 June 1878, Page 3

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CIIKI3TCHUKCH. Monday, June 3. TBefore G. L. Lee, Esq., and Dr. Deamer, JP.'s.] Wandering Houses— George Steel, J. P. Jameson, and John Brown, were fined 5s each for allowing horses to wander. Chimney on Fieb.—Valentine Shott was fined 103 f»r suffering his chimney to catch fire. Going too Fast.—Michael Hamilton and William Pearson were fined 03 each for trotting round corners. Unregistered Dog.—George Mapstone was charged with having in his possession an unregistered dog. He pleaded that the dog was dead, and that it was not twelve months since the animal was registered. He was fined 20s. Abusive Language.—Mary Baynes was charged with using obscene and abusive language to Catherine Brown. The prosecutrix proved the case. Two witnesses corroborated her testimony. Defendant was fined 10s and costs. James Brewster was similarly charged by Jane Barker. He did not appear when called, and a warrant for his arrest was ordered to be issued. Assault— Frederick Brown was charged with assalting Anne Clifton. Prosecutrix detailed the particulars. The assault arose out of a disputed account for Bs. Defendant made a statement which altered the appearance of the case very materially, and called his daughter Flora, twelve years of age, another daughter, Emma, and his wife, who supported his tostimony. The case was dismissed. Abusive Language.—Thomas Piper was charged with using abusive language to George Greengoe. The parties are brothers-in-law, and old colonists. The complainant made a long statement as to the bad treatment he had received from defendant. The defendant made a rebutting statement, but admitted that he had used bad language. He wanted his wife and money back from complainant. The Bench fined him 10s and costs 9s. Using Abusive and Threatening Language in a Public Place.—Samuel A'Court was charged with using obscene and abusive language in the Domain. Mr Thomas appeared for defendant. Mr Armstrong gave evidence as to the indecent conduct of defendant and a prostitute. The language complained of was used on account of witness giving the prostitute in charge. John O'Callaghan confirmed the evidence of Mr Armstrong. Sergeant Morrice deposed to having heard defendant use bad language to complainant. Mr Thomas urged that the information disclosed no offence under the Act. The information charged two offences, and could not therefore be sustained. The Bench ruled that the case must be dismissed. Mr Armstrong said he was a constable. Mr Thomas urged that this should have been proved in evidence. The case was now closed. The Bench said Mr Armstrong could take what steps he thought necessary.

LYTTELTON. Monday, June 3. [Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M.] Refusal of Duty.—Mahanat, a man of colour, was charged by Captain Holmswoood, of the ship Hydrabad, with this offence. It appeared that the accused, on Saturday last, had helped himself to some brandy from the swinging tray of the above vessel, which had an effect on him. The captain ordered him to the forecastle and the accused refused duty there. The Bench sentenced the prisoner to three days' imprisonment with hard labour. Civil Case.—Milno v. Leslie, claim £2 12s, value of goods detained. Defendant ordered to deliver up goods and pay costs, 9s.