RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Grey River Argus, Issue 56, 22 May 1866, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

C4REYMOUTH. Saturday, 19th May, 18G6. (Before W. H. Revell, Esq., R.M.J Breach of the Steam Navigation Act. Robert P. Gibbons^ master of the s.s. Woodpecker, was summoned for having pn the loth May proceeded along .the North Coast with passengers, not having a certificate to do so, contrary to the Steam Navigation Act, 1862. Defendant admitted that he did not hold a sea-going certificate, and the offence charged with. The Magistrate inflicted a fine of £5, and cautioned the defendant that if the offence was repeated he rendered himself liable to have his certificate stopped altogether. The fine was paid. Breach of the Peace. John Tinley and Alexander Holmes were brqught up charged v r ith committing a breach of the peace by fighting in the public street. CqnstaMe Boyle, being sworn, said that while on duty on Richmond Quay on Friday afternoon his attention was attracted to a crowd of people collected, at the rear ofthe Boatman's .Anna. On proceeding to the spot he saw the two prisoner^ fighting, both their faces being covered with blood, and he at once took them. both tothe lock-up. Defendants said they were only "larking," and having been mates for four years it was not likely that they would fight iv earnest. The Magistrate fined each offender £2. A Dog DisruTE. John Christy, a colored man, and Charles Which appeared in Court fo dispute the ownership of a' Newfoundland dog, which had lately been in the possession of Which. Christy stated that he bought the animal for £5 on the Dunstan when it was a pup about three years ago, and afterwards gave in charge of a frwmd of his to bring overland to the West Coast as he was coming by steamer. He had not seen the dog since until he saw it in the hands of Which, at Greyimbuth, the other day. Which, the other disputant, stated that^he purchased the dog off a man named James Penty at Teremakau, aiuVpaid him £4 10s for it. The Magistrate considered that the best plan would be for Christy to lay an information against Which for having illegal possession pf the dog, and in the meantime the police would retain possession of the. animal. The case -wag'' afterwards heard, and an order was made for the delivery of the dog to Christy.