MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1608, 16 April 1879, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, April 16. | Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R M.] Dhunk and Bisobdekly.—One drunkard was fined SOs.

Disobdkblt Conduct in a Railway Cabbiaob. —John Brown was charged with misbehaving himself in a railway carriage. Mr Neck appeared tor the defendant, who stated that he had been to the races and unfortunately took many stimulants to keep out the wot. A fine of 10s was inflicted, Henry Nevin was also charged with conduct calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. Constable Nelson deposed that ho arrested the prisoner early the same morning. He was shouting out in the streets and generally behaving in a violent manner. He was fined ss. Yagbancy.—Joseph Evans Whitbey was brought up under the Vagrant Act charged with having no lawful visible means of support. The particulars of this painful case are already before the public. The accused, a colored man, has been in better circumstances, but was now unable to earn a living. The police since the first time the accused had first been before the Court had tried to get him into the Ashburton Home, but Sergeant Morice stated the chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board had informed him that institution was only intended for the aged and infirm, and although the defendant had been unfortunate he did not come within that category. Sergeant Morice endorsed the statements of the accused as to his endeavors to earn an honest livelihood by various methods, and informed the Bench he was neither a loafer or a bad character, consequently he was not eligible for the gaol. The Bench discharged the defendant, and Sergeant Morice promised to see Mr J. E. March and some other influential gentlemen, and try what could be dope to ensure his support in the future,

Failing! to Phovidb.—John Doig, on remand, was brought up on a charge of failing to provide bis wife and family with adequate means of support, Mr Neck apSeared for the defendant, and informed the lench that the whole charge was a disgraceful one. He had given the applicant on behalf of the defendant £3 as her allowance for three weeks, under an order of the Court, and she had got drunk on it, and then summoned her husband for failing to support her. There was a sum of money belonging to the defendant in Mr Garland’s hands, and he (Mr Neck) had at that moment £lO of the defendant’s money, all of which was to go to the support of the applicant and her family. His Worship said he should make no further order in the matter, as it \Vas proved that the defendant was able and willing to comply with the order of the Court, and pay his wife £1 per week. Mr Neck, on behalf of the defendant, tendered the complainant £1 in Court, which she refused. Mr Neck informed the Bench if she had more money she would only misuse it. The parties then loft the court.