UPPER HUTT RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5370, 13 June 1878, Page 3

UPPER HUTT RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

■ Wednesday, June 12. (Before J. 0. Crawford, Esq., B.M, and J. D. Crnickshank, Esq., J.P.) DRUNKENNESS. A first offender was brought up on a charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct. A fine of 20s, waa imposed, or in default 48 hours’ imprisonment. AFFILIATION. Bichard Hagan waa summoned by Mary Ann Pearson for the maintenance of an illegitmate female child, of which she alleged that defendant was the father. Defendant denied the charge, but the case was proved against him to the satisfaction of the Court, and he was ordered to pay ten shillings a week for the child’s maintenance. The following dialogue then took place : Defendant: I cannot pay 10s. a week; ten shillings a week is more than I can afford. His Worship : You are not a married man ? Defendant: No, but I cannot afford to pay 10s. a week. His Worship : If you go to the extravagance of having children you must put up with the consequences. Defendant (assuming astonishment): Having children 1 Why isn’t my word taken as well as bet’s ? X cannot afford to pay 10s a-week. His Worship ; Well, you are ordered to pay it, and that is enough. Defendant (after a pause): How long have I to pay this for ? Am Ito pay for my natural life? His Worship : The Act says fourteen years. . Defendant; Is there no chance of getting the child away from her, if she says it is mine ? If X could get some one else to take it could I child from her ? His Worship : Not unless she consented. , Defendant (after another pause) : Supposing 1 were to get hurt, and go to the Hospital, ?oat would he done then ?

■ His Worship : It will bo time enough to consider that point when the question arises. Defendant : Who will I have to pay this in to ?

His Worship : Into the Court. Mr. Baker (clerk of. the court): Defendant s attention is called to the fact that under the Act, if ho does not pay, he is liable to a fine of £SO, or six mouths' imprisonment. Defendant; How am I to pay it weekly, monthly, or hew ? Mr. Baker: You will pay the money to Constable Lyster, and it is ns good as paying it to me. Defendant: Theu am I wanted any longer ? Mr. Baker ; Not at present. Defendant (impertinently) : As long as I am not locked up X don’t care. Well, good day, gentlemen; and so saying, ho put his cap ou and left the Court.