MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1705, 7 August 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Thuesday, August 7. [Before GK L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.]J Dbunk and Disoedebly. Two first offenders were fined 5s each. Lunacy. —Samuel McElroy, on remand, charged with lunacy arising from drink, was discharged. Laecbny. —Bridget Ferriok was charged with stealing a five-pound note the property of Michael Ryan. The evidence of the prosecutor, a laborer, in tho employ of Sir Cracroft Wilson, disclosed the fact that on the 3rd instant, when near the Caversham Hotel, tho prisoner, who was partially intoxidated, came up and snatched at a fivepound note which ho had in bis hand, tearing in two pieces, the larger part of which she ran off with, and subsequently gave to Mrs Smith, wife of the licensee of tho Queen’s Hotel, to take care of. Tho prosecutor’s evidence was corroborated by a man named Albert Burrow, who was with him at the time of the robbery. Mrs Smith deposed to the fact of the prisoner giving her the note, which she subsequently cashed, and Constable Henry proved the arrest of the prisoner. The prisoner, who bears a most disreputable character, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

LYTTELTON. Thuesday, August 7. [Before J. Boswick, Esq., R.M.] Absent peost his Ship —Tho "cook on board the barque Dochra was presented for being absent without leave. Captain Spalding asked that a sufficient caution be adminis-

tcred to the accused to deter him from repeating the offence. The Bench cautioned him accordingly, and ordered his discharge. Assault. —George Blunt, one of the crew belonging to the barque Chile, was charged, with creating a d : sturbanco on board the barque Doctira. Mr H. N. Nalder appeared for the accused. Captain Spalding, master of the vessel, asked that the csss to postponed, that services of counsel might bo obtained. Mr Nalder objected to the captain’s interference, the prosecutor in the case being the second officer. The second officer was called, and upon being asked whether ho wished the case postponed, answered “ No.” Subsequently he said he would postpone the case. Mr Nalder strongly protested to the presence of the captain of the vessel in the case. Captain Spalding said ho was anxious to procure counsel for the mate. The Bench then adjourned the case until Friday, the costs to be paid by the complainant, inclusive of £1 Is, counsel's foa.