Untitled

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 129, 5 July 1876, Page 2

A rather curious case was docMed by tiio Resident Magistrate at AVeliiugbm recently. A man was arrested by a constable for a criminal offence, and whilst arresting him the constable’s clothing was nearly destroyed. The man was sent to gaol for a month, and ordered to pay £2 7s Gd for the damage done to (he policeman’s uniform. On being released from gaol the constable proceeded against him in the civil Court to recover the £2 7s Gd, hut the defendant pleaded that the criminal prosecution and the sentence he had received and performed was a bar to the action. The Magistrate held that the objection was good, and gave judgment for the defendant with costs.

The New Debtors’ and Creditors’ Bill contains 207 clauses, occupying 30 pages. It repeals the Act of last session, except as to commencing proceedings, and it reenacts a large portion. It is based on the same Scotch S3 r stem of the creditors looking after matters themselves. It not only vests property in the Registrar until a trustee is elected, but authorises him to take possession. It also allows of private winding up by arrangement. But the arrangement mustbearrived at in ameeting of creditors. The enormous power given by the present Act all to one large creditor is curtailed, provision being made that the majority in number and value present, or by proxy, at any meeting, shall rule. Several defects, found in the working of the present Act, are remedied. A new uniform has been provided for the Armed Constabulary. A suit of blue tweed is to replace the old rather dingy grey, while instead of the cap formerly worn, a military-looking shako will surmount the head of each gallant defender of his country. The effect should be a great improvement in their appearance.

A divorce ease, Goodsir v. Goodsir, was heard in England on the 7th April, and was undefended. The parties were married at York- in 1864, and in 1868 the husband, after ill-treating and abusing his wife, went to New Zealand, whence he has not returned. Before leaving England he had committed adultery and frequented brothels. A degree nisi was granted.