RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5498, 9 November 1878, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, November S, (Before T, A. Mansford, Esq., R.M.) A HARD CASE. William Davidson, lato a seaman on board the Ladybird, was charged with having refused to obey commands on board that steamer. The prosecutor did not appear, the vessel having sailed, and the Beach ordered the prisoner to be discharge'!, observing that the man had been improperly kept in custody by the authorities of tho ship. THE MAORI PA. A native mimed Hori Ngapaka, the owner of a little house in the Maori Fa, was charged with harboring improper persons. Defendant denied that he was guilty of the offence, but stated that they came of their own aoccrd. Tho police brought under the notice of the magistrate that this place was a nuisance to the neighborhood an I a disgrace to the city. His Worship said he would remand the case for a week, by which time he hoped to hear matters had improved. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. Kate Dawes was charged with having on Wednesday evening attempted suicide by throwing herself into the bay. His - Worship ordered the Court to he cleared. He said this was an indictable offence, and he thought it was one of those cases in which the ends of justice would be best served by the preliminary investigation being conducted in private. There was no need for the general public to be made acquainted with private troubles such, as were connected with this case, until it was rendered unavoidable by * a trial in open Court. Constable Willoughby stated that on the night in question about 12 o’clock, he was on duty on Lambton-quay, when the prisoner passed him. The prisoner went down Harbor-street, and on reaching the end of the street she made a slight pause, and then walked to the end of tho fence. It then struck him there was something wrong, and he walked quickly towards her. Prisoner then threw herself into the harbor. Witness ran down to the water’s edge, taking off his coat as he went, and saw the prisoner floating in the water, face upwards, supported by her dress. Witness took a “ header ” into the water, and supported her until help came. The wat=r was only about three feet deep at the spot. He had no idea the water was so shallow. A man named Smith, who keeps an oyster saloon in Willisstreet, also jumped into the water and rendered assistance. Sergeant Smith said that since the accused had been in custody, she had been in o very weak and nervous state, and medical attendance hal had to be called in. * Prisoner, having been asked if she wished to make any statement, said—l am sorry for what has occurred, I was very much put out that night. I had to leave my house, and that is how I came to be in the street. The Bench then committed her for trial ; but offered to take bale, herself in a recognisance of £SO, and two sureties for a similar amount. The necessary bonds' were entered into and prisoner released. CIVIL CASE. "Shaw and Sons v. J. U-. Eockel.—A claim to recover £57 75., for goods sold and delivered. Mr. Buckley for plaintiff. Mr. H. Travers,, on behalf of defendant, said the purchase of the goods was not denied, hut the prices charged were disputed.—Mr. Shaw proved that the articles sold by him and mentioned in the bill of particulars were sold to plaintiff at the prices charged, and that the prices charged for goods sold by his assistant were reasonab'e. After twelve months credit had been given application for payment was made. Defendant complained of the terms on which he was asked to pay, but had not complained ol tho prices. To Mr. Travers ; Did not agree to let defendant have a fifty-five guinea watch for fifty guineas. Defendant had never denied having received a certain set of studs charged for.—Mr. Hooker, assistant to plaintiff, alleged the sale ot studs and other articles, and said the prices were agreed upon and were fair. This was the case for plaintiff.—John G. Kockel stated he had gone into Mr. Shaw’s accidental y, and was asked to buy a gold watch and chain at £55. He declined, and plaintiff said, “ Well, fifty guineas. Defendant replied, “ No, nrce of your guineas ; I will give you fifty pounds.” There was also to be some engraving, &c., done tor the money. Never had the studs for which he was charged. To Mr, charged when the bill was sent in. This was defendant’s case.—Judgment for plaintiff for full amount, with costs.