Magistrate’s Court.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1922, Page 1

Magistrate’s Court.

GR EYMOUTH, Feb. 2,}. Before Mr Meldruni S.M., F. Hughes was charged with assault of F. Clark at Otira. The evidence showed that I Clark, a prohibited person, entered the hotel at Otira and was ordered out. An altercation took place in which blows | were struck. Fined £1 ami costs. Clark for going on to licensed premises while prohibited, was convicted and fined £1 and costs. R. G. McGowan for having possession of an unregistered revolver, was convicted and fined £2 and costs. William Balderstone was charged with having committed a breach of the Coal Mines Act by saving to S. Pendleton on December 22nd last, “You are a scab; you are president of the seal) union.” The Bench stated that- it was quite clear the word ‘scab’ had bee used. The three witnesses for the prosecution were clear on this I point. The word ‘scab’ was certainly I offensive. Apparently Pendleton had j become a little excited at the time. The meeting had been called about work in the mine, and would come within the provisions of the Act. Defendant was convicted and fined £2

and costs, also witnesses’ expenses and solicitor’s fees. The fend of the Burkes at Barrytown received another ventilation when Janies Burke was charged with the theft on January 15th. last of hose to the value of £5, the property of John Burke his half-brother. After hearing eidonce the Beiich pointed out that the prosecution was a criminal one, and the evidence required to he clear. The tracks in the sand were what was relied on. James Burke’s evidence seemed the more feasible. Constable Wilson’s statement was reliable. No conviction could be recorded, and costs would be against informant