MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1585, 19 March 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, Maech 19. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.]

Deitnk and Disobdebly.—Richard Sparks, charged with using obscene language while in a state of drunkenness, was fined 20s. Michael Ryan was fined the same amount, and a first offender ss. Stealing Flowbes.—Leonard Nathan was informed against for stealing a quantity of flowers, value one shilling, the property of the Domain Board, on the 16th instant. The accused said he was a new arrival in the colony, and took the flowers in ignorance that ho was infringing the law, as when he entered the Doma<n no public notice was set up. A fine of 20s was inflicted over and above the value of the flowers.

Assaulting the Police.—Thomas Zing, a seaman belonging to the Piako, was fined 5s for being drunk, and 20s for assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty. There was a further charge of assaulting a prisoner, named McGill, in the lock-up. Sergeant-major O'Grady proved the offence, and a further fine of 40s, with medical fee of. £1 Is, was imposed. McGill was then oharged with being drunk, but, at the intercession of Mr Inspector Hickson, was discharged, in consequence of the severe punishment ho had received at the hands of the prisoner King. Wife Desebtion.—Robert Dann was brought up charged with deserting his wife in Auckland. Mr Inspector Hickson read a telegram descriptive of the charge against the prisoner, but stated he had not yet received the warrant, which had been posted five days ago by the s.s. Ladybird. The accused was remanded for a week, pending the arrival of the warrant from Auckland. Bekaoh of Railway By-Law.—Harry Alldrilt was summoned for entering a railway carriage while the train was in motion, contrary to railway by-laws. This was an aggravated case, as the accused, after being cautioned, persisted in forcing his way into the carriage. A fine of 20s was imposed. Wife Pbotection. Caroline Connell applied for an order against her husband, James Connell, for the protection of her earnings. The order was granted. Ceuelty to Animals.—Alexander Davidson was summoned at the instanoe of the police for cruelty to a horse by driving it in the coach between Green Park and Tai Tapu with a sore shoulder. The aocused said no was only driving for ono day, in the absence of the regular driver, and was not accountable for the condition of the animal. Under the circumstances, his Worship dismissed the case, at the same time telling the defendant he must not drive the same horse back again. Causing an Obstbuotion. Alexander Clephane was called on in answer to an information for allowing an obstruction to remain in front of the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street. The nature of the obstruction has been reported already, and the case had been adjourned that the obstruction might be removed, in which case the inform*.

lion wag to be withdrawn. There was no appearance of the defendant, and Mr Garrick, who appeared on behalf of the City Council, Stated the obstruction had been removed, and asked for costs. The expenses of one witness, lOs,, were allowed. Pawnbbokebs' License.—Mr Joynt made ah application on behalf of Mr Lewis Hermann for a pawnbrokers' license, and submitted a memorial, signed by a number of citizens, in favor of the application. A previous application had been refused, and Detective Walker now stated in the witness box the reasons why he thought the applicant was not a fit person to hold a pawnbrokers' license. Detective Benjamin, being sworn, Baid he considered the applicant, whom he had known for five years, was not adapted from his indolence, want of energy, and business habits to hold a pawnbrokers' license. The application was granted.