EAST COAST LETTER.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1356, 15 September 1883, Page 4

EAST COAST LETTER.

(From our own Correspond!*!.) Awanui, September 4. On Tuesday, the 4th instant, Mr Booth an bed by steamer, On Monday he disposed of about thirty cases. One Wotoru, who stole a spade, was sent to Napier for two months, to improve the Napier roads. What a pity there are no roads to be made about Poverty Bay! There was a case of riot against some Natives, who took possession of a piece of land rented by Mr Dale, but the Magistrate dismissed the case, as he had no jurisdiction where the title to land was concerned. The remainder of the cases were of no importance, and the Magistrate left on horseback for Tologa Bay, to hold a Court there. I am glad to see McClutchy, of Marahea, has found some means at last to prevent the Maori pigs getting fat at the expense of travellers, as he has built a pig-proof yard about six feet high, for the purpose of feeding horses in, a thing which was greatly wanted. The R.M, Court at Tologa was adjourned, and also the Licensing Court, until Friday, as Mr Booth did not arrive in time to hold the Court as advertised. But he made a good start on Friday, about 9 a.m. The criminal calendar consisted of about six “ drunks,” who were fined 20s each, There were also a couple of assault cases. R. Finlay, for supplying a glass of rum to a Native, was fined os and costs, which I think was very hard in a district like this where the only people hotel keepers expect to make a living out of are Natives. But of course it is against the law, and the poor innocent Maori must not have his health injured by that “ horrible drink.” The case against R. Finlay for Sunday trading was dismissed. Mr Turton, of Gisborne, defended in each case. At noon the Court adjourned, and the Licensing Committee met. There were present; Mr Booth, R M., Mr S. R. Stewart, Mr Andrew Reeves, and Himiana te Kani (Native Assessor). A complaint laid against Thomas Fox was withdrawn, and a charge against R. Finlay of selling drink to Natives was dismissed. The Police report stated that R. Finlay had no sign over his house, the Sea View Hotel; that the wall-paper was falling down; that he allowed Natives to get drunk and sleep about his floor ; and that he kept his place open on Sunday. Mr Turton appeared for Finlay. The Commissioners came to the conclusion that the charges were not all proved to their satisfaction, but hinted that the house might be better conducted. A license was granted to Hoani Mokino, of Kewakawa, which was adjourned from last meeting for the house to be put in proper repair. That concluded the business of the Licensing Court. The Resident Magistrate’s,Court resumed at three p.m., and sat till five p m., and disposed of a lot of debt cases, and was then adjourned till next morning at 9 a.m. On the court resuming at 9 a.m. on Saturday, there was a great rush for the Courthouse, as there was expected to be a little fun, but it did not turn out much after all. This was a case where a servant girl sued Mr Finlay for wages. Judgment was given for the amount. There was then a cross-action by Mr Finlay against the servant, and as she put in the plea of infancy, the case took some time to get through. Mr Turton, who appeared for Mr Finlay, put the girl through a very severe cross-examination, and explained the law on the subject. His Worship gave judgment for the plaintiff. There was a case of Mrs Green v. Mrs R. Finlay, to have her bound over to keep the peace, but it was dismissed, as the information set out no offence. There was one more case of assault against Mr Finlay for striking a boy named Henry Green. This was also dismissed. This concluded the Resident Magistrate’s business, and the Court was adjourned till December next. Mr Booth left for Gisborne about 11 a.m. The steamer Southern Cross came into the Bay on Friday morning, and landed some cargo. She took away Sergeant M'Guire and B prisoner for Napier. We had a vieit from our County Engineer (Mr Winter) on Saturday, and he left again on Sunday. The fast and favorite steamer Rosinu ran into the river on Sunday.