MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1755, 4 October 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTOHURCH. Saturday, Octobeb 4. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Stealtho a Swag.—John Duncan was charged with stealing a swag belonging to Alexander McFarlane. The prosecutor said he was a laborer. He left a swug last Tuesday night at the Golden Fleece Hotel (the same produced.) It was worth from £2 to £3. Went out to have a drink, and when he got back found that the swag was gone. Was not acquainted with the prisoner. John Wilson, a laborer, residing at Bligh's restaurant, saw the prisoner and another man a few days ago in the Golden Fleece. Heard the prisoner tell his oompanion not to sit on the swag, as it was his property- Afterwards heard the prisoner offer the man a pint of beer to carry the swag out for him. This was the case for the police, and the defence of the prisoner was a simple denial of the whole circumstances. The Bench held the case proved, and sentenced the prisoner to six months'imprisonment withhard labor.

Labcbny.—Thomas Englert was charged with stealing from the Chriatchurch Museum a quantity of imitation gems, value £l, the property of tho General Government. Mr Neck appeared for the defendant. On the application of Mr Inspoctor Hickson, the prisoner was remanded until the 11th icst., bail being refused. Highway Robbeby.—Albert Pillow was charged with unlawfully and maliciously shooting at H. E. May, with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. There was a second charge of assaulting H. E. May, with intent to rob him. Mr Inspector Hickson said there would be a third case against the prisoner of breaking into the Museum uud stealing arms, and as he was not prepared to go on with the other cases at present, one of which, the second, he should abandon as unnecessary, he would ask that the prisoner be remanded. Dr. Foster appeared for the prisoner. The prisoner was remanded until the 13th inst., to be brought up sooner if required.