MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1492, 27 November 1878, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, Novbmbee 27. [Before GK L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Labceky and Hodsebeeaking. —George Brine was charged with breaking into a store with intent to commit a felony. There was another charge of larceny from a dwelling of a watch of the value of £9 9s. On the application of Mr Inspector Hickson, the accused was remanded until the following morning. Tkansfee of License.—The application for the transfer of the license of the Riccarton Hotel from Henry Qualmer to Charles Lewis was granted, the house being reported very favorably on. ~LYTTELTON. Wednesday, Novbmbee 27[Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M., and H. E. Webb, Esq., J.P.} Refusal of Duty on High Seas.— Alfred Opie and Henry Somers, seamen belonging to the Akbar, were charged with this offence. Mr H. N. Nalder appeared for defendants. It appeared from the evidence of Captain Watts that accused refused to repair a storm mainsail during a gale of wind, and had also refused to turn to before 7 a.m. whilst making in harbor. In defence, accused sail the vessel was not seaworthy, and that the rigging, &c., was decayed. The captain si.il the ship was not in the state complained of by the accused. The ship was only five years o'd, and the vessel had been brought into Lyttelton in order that any damages sustained in the recent gales might be repaired, These damages were only ordinary ones. Mr Nalder said it was a serious matter that sailors should bo obliged to go to sea in a vessel in an umeawortby condition, and the matter must be investigated. The case was adjourned till tomorrow’ to hear the mate’s evidence, and to bring furl,her information regarding the state of the vessel.