RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 281, 16 June 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT

Gisborne, Tuesday, June 15, 1875. Before tr. k. Nesbitt, Esquire, R.M. The Bev. W. H. Root was Sued 5s and costs for allowing his horse to stand on the foot path in the township. A charge against Charles Laity for refusing to do duty on board the schooner Opotiki was withdrawn. CHRIST V. BURKE. Mr. Wilson appeared for the prosecution. Defendant was charged with having interfered with Captain Clirisp as Harbormaster and Pilot in the execution of his duty. It appeared that the occurrence took place on Monday last, when the schooner Opotiki, of which defendant was master, was about to proceed to sea. Thomas Chrisp, sworn states : I took the Opotiki out of the river about 5 o’clock on Monday evening. Captain Burke asked me if I would take him and his mate on shore. I refused to take the mate or any of the hands from the vessel. Defendant was not sober. He used threatening and obscene language to me. By Captain Burke: I anchored the vessel about 5 o’clock. Captain Harris, your successor, came on board about 6 or half past. I consider myself in charge of a vessel as pilot until I leave it. Constable Gibson deposed to hearing defendant say that Captain Chrisp was no more fit to be pilot than his (the defendant's) sister. In defence Captain Burke said that he was drunk, and acknowledged to having insulted the complainant, but he did not interfere with him in the execution of his duty. Fined £5 and costs. HIGGINS V. WEIGHT. Claim £l6 0s 7d amount of promissory note. Judgment for plaintiff with costs.