RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.—July 31.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 127, 4 August 1871, Page 5

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.—JuIy 31.

(Before H. W. Robinson, Esq., R.M.)

"Robert Keenan v. John Fulton and Campbell. This case was still further adjourned till the 3rd inst. Mr. Bailey for defendants. Police v. Costello. —Charge of allowing disorderly conduct in his licensed house, the Mount Ida Motel, on the morning of Sunday the 23rd ult. After evidence, which failed to establish the charge, the complaint was withdrawn. Mr. Hertalet for defendant. Brookes v. Mu'cihey.—Claim £l6 10s. Judgment for amount claimed with costs. August 2. There being no business before the Court his Worship took the occasion to reply to the remarks made by Mr. Smythies relative to agents' fees being allowed by the Bench. His Worship said that there was much force in what had fallen from Mr. Smythies upon the subject, but he did not feel himself called upon at the present moment to express his own opinion on the question. It was a practice which, if introduced, should have effect throughout the Otago Goldfie d Courts. He thought it would be extremely inconvenient to have one course with regard to agents' fees adopted in one Court and another in another. The question of fees was an important one to the agents and no doubt would, if adopted, materially improve their status. He would consult his brother Wardens before giving a final opinion on the matter. August 3. Keenan v. Fulton and Campbell.— This case, which was one of assault, and was adjourned for the production of witnesses, was further heard —Mrs. M'Hardy being called for the prosecution, and Mr. M'Whirter for the accused. The evidence of both witnesses went to prove that the evidence given by Keenan on the last occasion of hearing was entirely false, and that he, and not ihe accused, was the aggressor. The accused were discharged, the Bench expressing very strong condemnation of the conduct of the prosecutor. Mr. Bailey, who appeared for the accused, pointed out that this was a case wherein the Bench should order the police to lay an information against Keenan. The Magistrate said that he would take time to consider whether ulterior proceedings were necessary. The following expenses were allowed:—Witnesses, 375. ; and 325. each to the two accused —Fulton and Campbell. Police v. Donnelly.—There were

three charge of the defendant having, on the 3rd, 7th, and 14ih of July ult., allowed fermented and spirituous liquors to be wold on his premises at the Kyeburn, he not being the holder of a license for that purpose. In each case the evidence being too weak to support the charge, the sergeant in charge, who conducted the prosecutions, asked permission to Jabandon them. Leave granted. Mr. llertsiet for defendant.