ALLEGED BREACH OF THE BY-LAWS.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1064, 25 July 1883, Page 2

ALLEGED BREACH OF THE BY-LAWS.

At the R. M. Court yesterday, before 0. A. Wray, Esq., J. H. Clayton was charged with committing a breach of the Borough By-laws by riding on the footpath in Egmont street on the 16th inst. Defendant pleaded “ not guilty.” Constable Orozier stated that on Monday night, the 16th instant, about 11 o’clock, he saw, Mr Clayton mount his horse and ride from the section between Hunger’s blacksmith’s shop and the Mail office over the footpath into Egmont street. By the Court: Mr Clayton only rode across the footpath. There is a crossing at Mr Hunger’s shop, but witness did not know if it was up at this time. By defendant: You would have to cross the footpath in order to got to the crossing. Mr Clayton thought the meaning of the by-law hinged on the word “ on,” which meant in “ forward, progressive, continuous motion,” etc. The Borough Council in framing the by-laws wanted to stop people from riding along the footpoth and compel them to use the street. He had merely crossed the footpath. The offence, if any, ho was guilty of was not having a crossing, but

he saw nothing in the by-laws to make him put one down until he had received notice from the Borough Council to do so. • Sergt Donovan said that the case against Mr Clayton was a trivial one no doubt, but it would apply to the whole town. The magistrate did not see his way to convict and dismissed the information.