MAGISTERIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2353, 18 October 1881, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

OHBIBTOHUBOH. TUBBDAY, OOTOBBB 18. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., 8.M.1 Dr^nkhnnebs.—John Carson, for this offence, was fined 20s. Laboeny.—Mary Thompson was brought up for stealing a pair of tongs, the property of Walter Daniels, of the Albion Hotel. She pleaded guilty. Prisoner was only just out of gaol, where ohe had been serving a term for a similar offence. She was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, with hard labor. The police stated that they had found property with her for which they had not yet been able to traoe an owner. Obttbltt to Animals.—G. Hawkins was charged under the Aot for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Constable Briggs deposed that on the previous evening while going along Montreal street he noticed a horse which, drawing a cart, appeared to be infirm. On examination he found its Bhoulders to be in a very bad state, there being on eaoh several inohes of raw places. The condition of the horse, moreover, was very poor, its legs were swollen, and it oould soaroely walk. [The horse was brought to the outside of the Court, and appeared hardly able to stand.] Prisoner said the animal was a weak one. The Benoh should not deal harshly with him ; he had done no harm ; he merely wanted to "pick up a bob or two " for his wife and ohildren. He had bought the horse only four days ago from a man whose name he did not know, who lived at Tai Tapu, and who would have shot the horse if prisoner had not taken it. His Worship said the horse could not have been reduced to its present state by only four day's ill usage. There had been horrible cruelty praotised by some one. He would remand the case for one week. The police in the meantime to find out the former owner. The prisoner, who was a repulsive-looking creature, was then removed.

Disobeying AN Obdbb.—Dennis Sheehan, who in August last had been ordered to pay 15s per week towards the maintenance of his wife, from whom he is separated, but who had not paid anything at all, was brought up on warrant to answer his default. He pleaded poverty. He said he had no work and was quite without means. He was unable to pay anything now, but was willing to live with his wife if she was agreeable to that. His wife, who was present, said she had been treated like a dog, and would not live with him on any terms. The case was ordered to stand over till October 20th, the prisoner to remain in custody and to be allowed an opportunity to make some arrangement in the meantime.