MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1925, Page 4

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

GREY MOUTH, November 10. At the Magistrate’s Court yesterdaybefore Mr AA’. Meldrum S.M., a number of cases were dealt with. A FAMILY TROUBLE. Sarah Anderson proceeded against George E. Anderson for separation, maintenance and guardianship orders. After hearing evidence the Magistrate stated that the evidence undoubtedly showed the defendant was a heavy drinker. The question wa• whether he came under the description of an “ habitual inebriate,” as defined by the Act. There was no doubt that he had caused suffering and annoyance to his wife, and that-, owing t< habitually taking liqour, lie had been a source of annoyance as defined under the Act. It had been proved that defendant was an habitual inebriate, and complainant was therefore entitled to orders for separation and guardianship. At present, however. it would seem useless to make an order for maintenance. Air Joyce said that this was* not pressed for. Continuing, the Magistrate said that he had taken into consideration the fact that defendant had provided his wife with a house four years ago. which had helped her to make a living. He would lie ordered to pay costs (solicitor’s fee. £3 3s).

A FIREMAN’S ASSAULT. Frank Tanner. a firemen, was charged with drunkenness and assaulting the third engineer of the Kaitunn (Ivan Dona hoe) on Saturday evening. The Alngistrate convicted and discharged defendant on the charge of drunkenness, and convicted and fined him £2 on the charge of assault, in default seven days’ imprisonment. THEFT OF A AVATCIf.

George Hill pleaded guilty to n charge of stealing a watch, the property of Frank Stewart, at Coal Creek on November I, and elected to be dealt with summarily. “It appears to have been a deliberate case of theft.” said the .Magistrate. He sentenced Hill to I I days’ imprisonment, the watch to he returned to Stewart.

RAIL AY AY CROSSING. Joseph Lytbgoe pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to s.t.op Ins motorcar before coming in contact with the Tuinui Street railway The information was laid hv the Railway Department. A conviction was recorded and a fine of os with costs £3 10k, inflicted. OTHER BUSINESS.

A number of young men on charges of failing to attend drill wore convicted and lined various amounts from 5s and costs to 20s and costs.