MAGISTERIAL.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1137, 11 January 1884, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

PATEA—THIS DAY. (Before C. A. Wray, Esq, IU1.) ABUSIVE AND THREATENING LANGUAGE. Josiah James was charged with using threatening language to his wife, Priscilla James, on the 6th inst. Prisoner pleaded not guilty, Priscilla James, the wife of Josiah James, related (he circumstances of the case. She said that on Sunday last her husband came home drunk, and asked for some dinner. She gave him some, and he said, “Is this all you have to give me ?” Witness said it was. Witness then went out and said something to the children. The prisoner followed her out, and struck her a blow on the side. He said he would knife her. A material witness, the witness’ son being absent, His Worship said the case would have to be adjourned in order that he might attend. Mrs James having to leave by the afternoon train for Wanganui. Sergt. Donovan said that perhaps the evidence of the police might satisfy his Worship as to the offence having been committed. Sergt. Donovan said that on Sunday last Mrs James came to the police station complaining of her husband being drunk and violent. He went over to the house and saw all the children standing outside frightened of their father. Witness went inside and found the prisoner drunk and very excited. The little house was very disorderly. When witness spoke to, him, the prisoner stood with his hands in his pockets, and said in a very dignified manner that the house belonged to him. Prisoner was a man who was constantly drinking. Mrs James was a very hard working woman, who had done her best to support the prisoner and her children. A short time ago the prisoner had to run away to Waitara because his wife was going to bring an information against him, and ho had just come back a short while. His Worship bound the-prisoner over to keep the peace for six months in his own recognisance of £2O. An application for a prohibition order was also brought against the same prisoner and granted in spite of the prisoner protesting that he did not drink but suffered from asthma, the order to take effect in the Patea Licensing District. CIVIL CASES. North v Tutangi.—Judgment summons. Order made that £1 18s be paid forthwith and balance in duty, in default 14 days imprisonment. Eyton.v Holly.—.Claim £2 15s, house rent. Judgment.for plaintiff by default for amount claimed and costs 9s. This was all the business.