MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1367, 3 July 1878, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, July 3. [Before Q. L.' Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Drunkenness. —One first offender was fined ss, and ordered to pay Is cab hire, and another was fined ss. Jt.t.eoal/LY on Premises. —John Hamilton and John Shirtcliff were charged with being illegally on premises. Sergeant Beck deposed that about five minutes past twelve this morning he had arrested prisoners in an unoccupied house in Montreal street south, near the South b.elt. The police had been informed that the house was occupied at night by loafers. The defendant Hamilton stated that Mr Donkin, the last occupier of the house, bad given him the key, and he considered himself entitled to remain on the premises. Mr Walker, from the office of Messrs Miles, Hassal and Co., agent for the owner of the house, deposed that defendants had no authority to be on the premises. He would not press the charge. The Bench dismissed the defendants, The “ Coenees” By-Law. —Dr. Foster appearing in Court, and apparently in answer to some observation from him which was inaudible by the.; reporters, his Worship asked in what capacity he appeared in the by-law - Dr, Foster—l appear for the police. nuuiA.x. . -vr, „ niir Worship, Mr Inspector Hickson —j.i * • Broham told me that the only way to onng the matter i;p again was by having another case tried. The police do not ask for a reT TV-f*. 'Pt'rtliorn * . I _ . jiT* : • •;* i-’•. ■ V . I 1 go.] wit v • k <&&&&&■ * i b. OT Olhc.

what difficulty there would bo in an officer of the City Council laying an information. Dr, Foster If the police will get the evidence wo will lay the information. Inspector Hickson —Wo cannot do that —wo dare not —after it has been declared that live by-law is illegal. Mr Thomas---At four o’clock in the afternoon it would not take ton minutes to get a score of cases. Dr, Foster—l cm only say this is the first time iamb an objection has been taken. Inspector Hickson—l may say in justice to myself that it, is the first time I have heard of any such application, and I h ive had a good many cases. Dr. Foster —If the police refuse I must- submit. Inspector Hickson—l have not been asked. Dr. Foster—l spoke to Mr Broham. I do not say that I made any arrangement with him. Inspector Hickson—■ He has nob mentioned it to me. The police dare not in the face of a decision in any Court take action on a law declared by that Court to be illegal, I must have instructions from the head of the department before I could take any steps. Dr. Foster—l never asked permission from Mr Broham, because I was not aware that I should have to do so. It is the first time that I have heard of such a thing. The discussion here closed. Affiliation. —John Breeze was summoned by Martha Baker for the maintenance of his illegitimate child. Mr Thomas appeared for him, and Mr Joynt for the complainant. Mr Thomas admitted the paternity, and stated that the matter of maintenance could be adjusted,, The father wa? willing to take charge of the child. Mr Joynt said that the mother objected to the child being given up. She bed even procured a writ of habeas corpus to obtain possession of the child. The cost of keeping the child, which would have to be dry nursed, would be from 12s to 15s per week. The mother was willing to accept 12s fid per week. Mr Thomas suggested that a lump sum should be given. Mr Joynt would prefer a weekly payment. The defendant on oath stated —I get 7s a day, working as a labourer. I am working for Mr Goss. Sometimes I work for Mr Smith. I own 20 acres of land—3o acres—374 acres. There should be that. [Mr Joynt threatened to have these answers taken down, and witness prosecuted for perjury. The Bench also cautioned him. Mr Thomas here withdrew from the case.] There are 57 acres. I keep cattle. I have only one cow in milk. I have eight beasts of my own, and take two in belonging to another party, lam a bachelor. I walk four miles a day to my work, and work only three days a week regularly. Defendant was ordered to pay 12s fid per week till the child attained the age of fourteen years, and to pay costs of Court and professional fee.