MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1825, 27 December 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Satueday, Deckmbbb 27. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.; his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, G. L, Lee, J. P. Jameson, Jno. Ollivier, and O, G. Parker, E-qs., J.P.’s, and Major Lean, J.P.J Deunk akd Disoedebly.— One man wm fined 20s, and two women 20s and 40s respectively. Labobhy. —Margaret Hayes was charged with stealing two knives and forks and sundries, value 255, the property of John Kellett. On the application of Sups: iaterdant Eriham she was remanded until Monday, the 29tb instant. Beeach op tub Peace —Thomas Bryant admitted committing a breach of the peace on Christmas eve, and was fined 10.*. 03SCBNB Language. John Murphy, a participant in the stonethrowing on the previous night, in front of Barrett’s Hotel, was charged with being drunk, using obscene language, and striking Sergeant Wilson in the face with a stone who was trying to quiet the disturbance. The offence was admitted, and the man fined £5 or one month's imprisonment with hard labor. Rubious Delving. —Wm. John Somer villa was charged with furiously tiding in a public place to the danger of life and limb. Mr Neck for the defendant. The case was adjourned until Monday, 29th inst. The defendant was allowed to be at large on entering into one surety of £3O. Travelling without a Ticket. Barnard Loughnan admitted travelling in a railway carriage without a ticket. There was some extenuating circumstances, and the case was adjourned until next Monday. Rioting and Assault. —Michael McAvery, Thomas Hanley, Patrick Cuddihy, and Michael Oonolly, wore charged with riotous behaviour on the previous day, and assailing certain persons proceeding along the streets. In these cites Mr Superintendent Broham asked that these cases might also be adjourned until next Monday, when he shall be prepared to go on with them, as there had not been time to get the necessary witnesses in attendance. Remanded until Monday, the 29th inst., bail being refused. Sionbthbo’WTNG. John Smith pleaded’ guilty to throwing stones at Barrett’s Hotel on the previous day. Constable McCarthy said the prisoner was pointed out to him as a stonethrower by a man named John O’Donnell, and he took him into custody. John O'Donnell, a laborer, said he saw the prisoner lift a stone and break a window, whereupon he gave him into custody. The prisoner pleaded in extenuation, and as a less heinous offence, that ho had aimed at the lamp outside, but unfortunately hit the window instead. A fine of 60s was inflicted and the cost of the window. Obsteuctino a Special Constable. — Charles Griffin was charged with obstructing a special constable in the execution of bis duty. Constable McGill said he took the defendant into custody by direction of Mr Superintendent Broham. Mr Alfred Sheath said he gave the man in charge, who accused special constable of feeling in his pockets. He was in a state of intoxication. The defendant, who was respectably dressed, did not remember much about it, but urged that he did not know it was a special constable he had obstructed. Pined 20s. Breaking Windows.— Dobfas Collins wascharged with exciting a crowd of people, the previous evening, to assault certain special constables in the execution of their duty. Superintendent Broham, being sworn, said he saw the accused, with other similar larrikins, trying to break the line of special constables, drawn up in front of Barrett’s Hotel, for the purpose of stone throwing and other lawless acts, The accused was-an exact type of many others who were present and appeared to be one of the ringleaders. The boy's employer, Mr Herne, gave him a good character. He had had experience of him for four years, and he was rather of a religious turn of mind than otherwise.. In consideration of the boy’s good character the Bench inflicted a fine of 40s, or one month’s imprisonment with bard labour.

Riotous Conduct.—Alexander Howden was charged with riotous conduct. The arresting constable stated that the accusedhad been given into his custody by Mr Mellish. On being searched an iron instrument was found on him. Mr Mellish said he gave the man into custody for throwing stones. He was standing within three feat of him. Some men and women were- forming a circle round him for the purpose of sheltering him while he throw stones.. He jerked the first stone underhand, but when witness saw him throw the second hs at once gave him in charge. Major Lean corroborated this evidence, and the accused was fined 60s, or a week’s imprisonment. Thbowing Stones. John Hay was charged with throwing stones at Barrett’s Hotel the previous night. The accused denied the offence, and asked for a postponement to produce a witness who could prove him innocent. One of the consequences of the stone throwing was to break the window of the cab in which the accused was taken to the lock-up. The offence was proved, and a fine of 60s imposed, and l&s damage to the cab ordered to be paid for.. Oharles Sanderman pleaded not guilty to the same offence. He had to pass through the crowd on his way from the City Hotel, and seeing an aquaintance endeavored to attract his attention by throwing some pebbles at him, .but he bad no malicious intention in the act. The Bench disbelieved the story, and fined him 60s. Geo. Milne, Daniel O'Neill, and J. E. Thompson were likewise proved to have been guilty of similar acts, and the penalty of 60s was imposed in each instance. W. R. Holland was next charged with throwing stones under the same circumstances, and retained Mr Joyce in his behalf. The evidence of Mr Superintendent Broham, Sergeant Hughes, and Constable Cleary left no doubt on the mind of the Bench of the illegal conduct of the accused, who was also fined 60s. LYTTELTON. Satueday, Dbcembbb 27. Lunacy fboii Deink.—Rowland Hill, the ■ man who was brought in nine days ago from the Hammer Plains, wild from the effects of drink, was brought into Court charged with lunacy. It was with difficulty his clothing could be kept upon him. He • was committed to Sunnyaide. Refusal of Duty.—Thomas Cook warcharged iwith refusing duty on' board thebarque John Enox, by objecting to wash tho docks on Christmas morning when ordered to do so by the chief offircr. r'e "fenced to sevenday’s imprisonment, and to forfeit one day’s ■ pay. Stowaway.—Henry Wetherall, for stowing away on board the s.s. Hawes from Wellington to Lyttelton, was ordered to pay the • amount, £2, or go to prison for fourteendays.