MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1638, 21 May 1879, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, May 21. [Before GK L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Drunk and Disorderly.—One female was fined 10s. Indecent Exposure.—William Loftus was charged with indecently exposing his S erson in R public place. Railway Constable 'elly proved the offence, find the accused was fined 40s. Vagrancy.—Frederick Wm Oldman wes charged under the Vagrant Act with having no lawful visible means of support. The superintendent of the Lunatic As\ him stated that the prisoner had formerly been an inmate of the asylum, and he was afterwa-ds sent to the Old Man’s Refuge. Ho subsequently left that institution, and was sent to gaol for six months for vagrancy. Lately ho had been lying out at nights, and occasionally did light woijk, but ho was too lazy, to earn his own living. This statement was corroborated by another witness, who said that although the accused was half-witted he was quite capable of earning his own lixing. Ho was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor. Hackney Carriage By-Laws.—George Howett, a cabman, was charged with conducting himself in a manner calculated to cause a breach of the peace. The evidence pf .three witnesses, who saw the occurrence, being taken! the defendant was fined fiGs for the misbehaviour, and a charge was then preferred against the defendant for having no light to his cab. The defendant admitted the offence, and a fine of 10s was imposed, and 10s expenses of four witnesses. Obscene Language.—Bessie Thompson and Jessie Graham were charged with making use of obscene language in a public thoroughfare. They admitted the charge, and were fined 20s each. LYTTELTON. Wednesday, May 21. [Before H. Allwright, Esq., Mayor.] Refusal of Duty— Four of the crow of the barquentino Hebe, Chinamen, were charged by Captain Whitby with refusing duty on board. The Bench remanded them until Friday, remarking that it was a very hard case to have to remand men from time to time, owing to tho want of a Magistrate having jurisdiction of such cases.