MAGISTERIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2453, 15 February 1882, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, Fbbbuaby 15. H. Beetham, Eq, R.M.J DbtjnkennebS.—Mary Brown, for being drunk, was fined 10s, or in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. Frank Melhuish, for being drunk and breaking windows at Langdown and Judge’s shop, was fined 5s and ordered to pay 15s for the damage, or in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. For a first offence a woman was cautioned and discharged. Foeoeby and Uttebing—Alex. Johnston was charged as above. Inspector Pander conducted tho prosecution, E. A. Garnett, hairdresser, of Cashel street, deposed to having cashed a cheque on February 9th, for £2, drawn on the Union Bank of Australia, which prisoner tendered in payment for some small things ha purchased. It was signed Alex. Johnston, who prisoner said was a farmer residing at Tai Tapu, and well known there. Prisoner further said he had received it in payment for wages. Ho- endorsed it, and witness handed him £1 16s—the change. Witness preronted the cheque at the Bank on February 13th. It was dishonored. The cheque was postdated February 12th. Before that date witness made enquiries, and found •that there was no person named Johnston, a farmer, at Tai Tapu, nor was there any account at the Bank in that name. After arrest, prisoner offered to refund the amount of the cheque.—O. B. Taylor, merchant,_ of Christchurch, stated that prisoner wont into his office about tho Bth inst. He produced a blank cheque, and asked witness to fill it up, making it for £3. Prisoner said he* asked witness to do it because the latter was the American Consul, and prisoner was on American citizen. Witness wrote in the body of the cheque, and prisoner signed it. Witness remarked that prisoner could write very well. Prisoner said his hand was not steady enough to do it. He was then under the influence of drink.—Detective O Connor deposed to speaking to prisoner on the 11th about the cheque. Accused at first said the cheque was all right, and asked to bo allowed to go to Tai Tapu to make it all right. Witness took him into tho police van, and proceeded in that direction. On the way he enquired for Alex. Johnston, a farmer, but could not hear anything about such a person. Ultimately, prisoner said tho cheque was made by himself.—G. 8. Restou, gaoler at Addington, deposed to knowing the prisoner for the last fourteen years under the names of Adam Johnston and Frank Mansfield. This was the evidence for the prosecution. Tho prisoner had nothing to say, and was committed to take his trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court to be held at Christchurch, He applied for bail. Inspector Pender mentioned that prisoner had been before convicted for forgery. Bail was required, prisoner in £2OO, and two sureties in £IOO each. , . AyeidiatioN. A case of this nature azaint Thomas Mullins was adjourned by consent of the plaintiff till March Ist. Labcbny.—David Findley was charged with stealing from tho shop of A. 8. Levy, tobacconist, High street, on February Uth, two boxes cigarettes, one bottle scent, and one cigarette case, valued at 10s 6L Mr Joyce appeared for prisoner, who pleaded guilty. Tho case was one of simple shop-lifting by prisoner while drunk. There was nothing •known by tho police against the prisoner, who received a good character from his father, ■whom he supports. Ho was sentenced to ■ seven days’ imprisonment, with bard labor.