Magistrate's Court, Foxton.

Manawatu Herald, 19 December 1896, Page 2

Magistrate's Court, Foxton.

(Before B. L. Stanford, Esq., 8.M.)

Thursday, 17th Deoehbbb. criminal. Constable Gillespie oharged — John Webster with being drank in a public place at Fox ton, and with threatening behaviour in a public place : Bert Robinson with wilfully obstructing him in the execution of his duty : Henry Coley with threatening behaviour in a public place.

The Constable asked that all oases might be heard together. John Webster pleaded guilty to both charges, and the others not guilty.

J. £. McElwain deposed — He was present when the discussion took place ; he thought it was a dispute between Webster and Coley; he could not remember how it started ; they were talking about fighting, and witness said he could fight a paddock full of them ; had been talking twenty minutes before the Constable came up ; the Constable told Webster to go home, and on the Constable going to Webster Bobinson threatened the Constable (The Magistrate said witness appeared determined to gay nothing.) He heard Bobinson Bay to Constable, " Keep your hands off Webster."

Henry Webb deposed— Saw all accused on Saturday night; the discussion arose about weights between Webster and Coley ; Constable co mo up and told Webster to go home, wben Bobinson said he (the Constable) must keep his hands off. Henry Bradcoek deposed— Was present at the disturbance ; Webster snid he could fight Coley ; there wag wagering as to weight and age of children ; the Constable told Webster <o go home, and Webster said something, when Bobinson left him and be told Gillespie he was not to interfere though he was a constable. J. Gillespie deposed— At 10.80 on Saturday he saw the three accused, and heard Coley say that if Webster did not behave himself he would send for the constable ; Webster did not aeem inolined to go go, and be threatened to lock him up if he did not go home ; .Bobinson took hold of him and said he should not interfere ; Coley waß the first who offered to come to his help ; it would appear tbat Coley had not been misbehaving, but McElwain had certainly made out that Coley was the worse, bull his evidence did not bear it out.

By Bobinson — When touching Webster on the shoulder did not touch Bobinson.

Henry Coley deposed— He was gober, and when the constable was sending Webster home, Webster turned round and called him no man ; on the constable threatening to arrest Webgter, Robinson said though dressed in blue clothes and brass buttons he was not going to interfere with him ; had told Robinson he bad behaved foolishly in interfering with {he constable. This was the case of the prose«u« tion. Bert Robinson called George Whittaker, who deposed— The oonstable|ran against Bobinsoa accidentally when going to Webster ; he made use of the language men* tioned. Cross-examined -Was a matt of Robinson's. Alf Arbon deposed— He took hold of one of Webster's arms and Robinson the other ; did not see what the constable did; was dragging Web* ster along. Bert Bobinson deposed— On taking Webster home Constable Gillespis shoved him ; he said, " Don't above me;" then the constable said he would arrest him, and then said he would summon him.

Webster was fioad 5a for being drank, witnesses 6s ; 5s for threatening language, and witnesses 6f. H. Goley, the Magistrate was eontinced did what was right and proper, and he would be discharged. B. Robinson had certainly obstructed the constable, though not of a serious character, he would be fined 80s and witnesses 6s. 0. Messena v. T. Olune. T. Clune v. C. Messena. These cases were cross charges between the wife of Mr Messena and Thomas Clune, postmaster, of Car* narvon. Mr Baker appeared for Mrs Mes* sena, and Mr Hankins for T. Clune. The charges were heard together, but the language complained of was too disgusting to be published. The ease of the proeecution was completed, and that for the defenoe was adjourned to 14th January. Constable Gillespie charged W. Earner that he did keep open shop for the sale of poisons, not being registered under the Poisons Act, 1871, and was adjourned to 14th January. It was admitted that Mr Hauler was not registered. Mr Baker appeared for Mr Flamer.