MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2017, 11 August 1880, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, August 11. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Dbunkbnness. John Quin, Bichsrd White, and Thomas Alexander, all admitted having been drunk in public places, and were each fined ss, with the customary alternative. Petty Laeceny. —John Dunham, aged, fourteen, employed as messenger in the Christchurch railway department, was charged with having, on the 4th instant, stolen a money bag, valued at 4s, and foarpence in coppers, the property of the General Government of New Zealand. Inspector O'Donnell informed the Court that the boy had access to where the bags were, and that he admitted to the police having cut one of them open and extracted the contents. A large number o£ these bags had been taken from the railway department at occasional periods, £l3 14s lid having been thus taken. Mr Back, traffic manager in the Christchurch railway department, stated that the boy’s father had been in the service for the last six years and had always borne a good character, and a brother had also .proved himself a good servant in the service. He (Mr Back) would not like to see accused sent to gaol on account of his youth, and, with his Worship’s permission would suggest that a flogging be administered to him. Mr Stringer said he had been instructed by the father to admit the offence. The person under whoso direct superintendence accused was employed was prepared to give him a good character. He understood these boys were placed in a rather tempting position for young boys. Mr Bmk —There were emptybags going back, and there was only a small amount of change in them. His Worship did not like to submit a boy of prisoner’s age to the contaminating influence of a gaol, and would deal with the case in a summary way. He admonished accused for his mis-conduct, sentenced him to forty-eight hours’ imprisonment with hard labour, and ordered that he should receive eighteen strokes with the cat-o’-nine tails.

Illegally on Pbbmisks. —James Goss admitted having been illegally on the premises of William Storey, and explained that he had laid down to rest there, because he was fatigued with walking to Kaiapoi. The Bench dismissed him with a caution, advising him not to go on to stranger’s premises without first obtaining permission. Lauceny ab a Bailee. —Archibald Wilson, late of Christchurch, was charged on the information of Albert Duncan Austin, Resident District Engineer, with having on the 31st of July last, then being the bailee of £129 Bs, monies belonging to the General Government of New Zealand, unlawfully and fraudulently converted the same to his own use, or to the use of some other person otter than the owner thereof. There was a second information, further charging him with misconverting £llß. At the request of Inspector O’Donnell, who stated that accused was only arrested on Tuesday evening, and the police had not had sufficient time to get the witnesses together, accused was remanded until Friday next. Tubpt. —Joseph William Pepperill pleaded guiliy to stealing £2, and was eentenced to a month’s imprisonment, with hard labor.

LYTTELTON. Wbbiesdat, August 11. [Before J. Beswick, Esq., li.M., T. H. Potts, Eaq.l Stbays. —James Higgs wag fined 15s, John Forester ss, and W. Mitchell 30s and costs for allowing cows to ha at large in the town. Unhboistbbbd Doss. —For this Z. Arthur was lined 20s and costs, and a case against J. Paton adjourned to Friday. Civil Cask. —George Adams r F. Kellick, claim £2 17s 9d, 18s 3d paid into Court ; judgment for plaintiS for amount paid into Court, with costs.