MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1474, 6 November 1878, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, November 6. [Before O. L. Hellish, Esq., R.M., 0. R. Blakiaton, Esq., J.P., and E. C- Minchin,

Esq., J.P, Obscene Language.—John Graham was charged with making use of obscene language on Saturday night at half-past II o’clock, in front of Burmeister’s oyster saloon, in Gloucester street. On being arrested by constable Lawler, the accused tripped up Detective Walker and was very violent, and the crowd interfering the constable was unable to take him to the depot, and had to lot him go. Constable Lawler’s evidence was corroborated by Dectective Walker. The accused said on the occasion ho was struck by a woman in the street, and smarting under the pain, he certainly made use of some bad expression, hut not of the language complained of. The Bench considered both offences proved, and the accused was fined 10s for the bad language, and 20s for resisting the police. Wife Desertion. —Henry Donkin was again brought up on the charge of wife desertion, and, in answer to the Bench, said he had been unable to make any arrangement for the future maintenance of his family, and must leave the case in the hands of the Bench. The defendant said he was a miner and platelayer, Mr Inspector Hickson said lie could do as well in Christchurch as in Auckland. The Bench made an order for the payment of £1 per week, and cautioned the defendant that any failure of payment on his part would render him liable to six months’ imprisonment. Arson.—Alexander Cowan, charged with arson, was remanded until Monday, the 11th inst. LYTTELTON. (Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M.) Wednesday, November 6. Drunkenness and Wilful Damage to Property.—Martin Knudson, for this offence, was fined 10s, and ordered to pay 11s damages.