MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1483, 16 November 1878, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Friday, Novbmbke 15. [Before* G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M., and R. D. Neave, Esq., J.P.J Aesok,—After the Court resumed at 2 p.m. the following evidence was taken Detective Benjamin deposed that he had again examined the premises and found no difference from when ho first inspected them, saving a small hole penetrating the brick chimney in the room where the fire occurred. Was certain it had been freshly made ; it was seven or eight feet from where the fire had taken place. It was a small round hole. The window was fastened to two nails by a piece of tape. By Mr Joynt—l knew one Sherlock <a butcher. Did not see him there at the fire. Was positive Mrs Wilson’s hands did not ■emell of kerosene. This was all the evidence. Inspector Hickson said there was yet another witness he should like to examine, but who had been absent from Christchurch since the day after the fire. Mr Joynt-Is he important? Inspector Hickson—l think so. The Inspector further said that if there was no case ■without the missing man’s evidence that would not make it so, it was simply corroborative. Mr Joynt submitted that there was 330 evidence to convict the accused. Certainly there was the lamp—that looked suspicious—but there was nothing to prove that Cowan placed it where it was found, whilst at the same time the evidence went to prove that ho wished to continue his tenancy. The fire might have been the result of accident or otherwise. The evidence was in the main irrelevant, and in no way connecting the accused with the crime. The Bench said the circumstances of the case so clearly pointed to the fact that the fire was the work of an (incendiary that he must commit the accused •for trial. The Bench committed the prisoner -for trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court. Bail was allowed in two .•sureties of £IOO and accused in £2OO. rape.—James Robinson, on remand for (rape, but who had been admitted to bail, now surrendered, and the case was proceeded with. Mr Joynt appeared for the accused. After considerable evidence had been taken, which is unfit for publication, Mr Joynt addressed the Bench, who discharged the prisoner. The Court then rose. Satueday, November 16. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Dettnk and Disorderly. —William Galvin was fined 20s, and a first offender sa. LYTT^ijiON. Novembeb 16. I'SSefcre W. Donald, Esq., R.M.J Lunacy ybom Deink.— Carl Harusser, on remand from Christchurch, charged with this offence, was further remanded till ’.Saturday next, 23rd instant, ta he required further medical treatment. Drunkenness. Eredk. Quinn, an old offender, was fined 20s, or in default ninetyisix hours. Fighting in the Streets.— George Smith and John Hanton alias Dan Fitzgerald, charged with this offence, were fined 20s each.