RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 5

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Thursday, January 3. (Before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M.) • FALSE PRETENCES. William John Lawrence was charged with obtaining by means of a valueless cheque £3 from H. Ames, publican, Upper Hutt. Mr. Ames stated that on Friday week the accused came to his hotel and said that ho desired to stay for a few days. He had dinner, and afterwards procured a blank cheque, sayinv he left his bank book in Wellington. He then filled up the cheque for £3 on the National Bank. Prisoner left on the following day, and on the presentation of the cheque at the bank it was dishonored. Cecil King, ledger-keeper at the National Bank, stated that the prisoner had at one time an account at tho bank, hut it had been closed when the cheque produced was presented. The cheque was paid into the bank, but returned marked “ no account.” The prisoner, in reply to the usual question, said he reserved his defence. The same prisoner was also charged with obtaining the sum of £2 Bs. fid. from Mr. Hughes, of tho Melbourne Hotel. Mr. Hughes stated that the prisoner tendered him a cheque for £2 Bs, fid. on the National Bank, and asked him to deduct the price of four dinners out of the amount. Witness at first hesitated, remarking to prisoner that he had not seen him at the dinner table. Prisoner persisted that he owed the money, and at last witness cashed the cheque, giving him £2 change. The cheque was presented at the bank and dishonored. - The prisoner was committed for trial on both charges. SLY-OROO SELLING. P. A. Jones, barber and lodging-house-keeper, Willia-street, was charged with selling spirituous liquors without a license. Mr. Allan appeared for the defendant. J, O Shea, a sailor on hoard tho brigantine Enterprise, said ho was in Jones’s place on tho 21st December. There were a Humber of men

and "women drinking on the premises. Witness asked Jones to have a drink, and the latter brought in several bottles of beer, for which witness paid. He paid 6s. for liquor to Jones. He was not very sober, aud fell asleep. A woman named Noon partook of the beer. Inspector Atchesou desired to ask some questions as to the character of the persons in Jones’s house, but Mr. Allan objected, and Ids Worship ruled that such questions did not affect the present charge. Some evidence was called to prove that O'Shea was drunk, and had said that he had been robbed of £4. It was stated that no drink had been paid for in the house. His Worship did not think there was sufficient evidence to substantiate the charge, aud dismissed the case. robbery. Emma Noon was charged with stealing £4 14s. from John O’Shea at Jones’s saloon. The prosecutor admitted that he was too drunk at the time of the alleged robbery to recollect much about it, and the woman was consequently discharged. CIVIL CASES. Brogden v. Burgoyne.—This was a claim for £65, for the passage of the defendant, his wife, and family from England. Mr. Ollivier appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Gordon Allan for defendant. The action was identical to many others which had been brought by the firm of Brogden aud Sons, and judgment was given for the amount claimed and coats. ; Bauson's estate v. Gx-iffiths and Bay.— Claim, £3O, for rent and goods supplied. Judgment was entered for defendants. Zohrah, Knocker, and Co. v. Bollock,— Claim for £65 for goods supplied. The case was adjourned. Driscoll v. Watt.—Claim, £3 17s. Judgment for plaintiff, with costs.