B. M. COURT, GISBORNE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 205, 9 August 1884, Page 3

B. M. COURT, GISBORNE.

THIS DAY. (Before J, Booth, Esq., R.M) Police v. P. Whelan, Drunk and disorderly. Fined 10s., or 24 hours. Police v, R. Harris. Drunk and disorderly. Fined 10s, or 24 hours. The fine was paid. Police v. James Stowe. Malicious injury to property. Prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge of destroying a driving belt belonging to John Bidgood, by cutting the same to pieces. John Bidgood—Accused was working for me as a carpenter in July last. About the end of that month I had a little difference with him. He was tipsy and very excited, and threatened to cut down Mullooly’s verandah, and also prevent me from cutting any more chaff. On the Ist August I found the driving belt of my chaff-cutter in six pieces. I reported the matter to the police. Constable Farmer—On the Sth instant accused met me in the street and said he wished to be looked up. He said he cut Bidgood'. belt to pieces because he would not pay him. I locked him up. Prisoner said he was excited with drink, and urged to the action by the conduct of Bidgood. His Worship pointed out that a man was not allowed to take the law into his own hands. His action was a very foolish one, as he injured himself more by doing what he had done than the owner of the property. Prisoner was sentenced to 30 days hard labor in Gisborne Gaol. Police v. William Pearce. Charged with stealing £3, a bottle of rough gold, a cheque book, and other articles, the property of Wm. Hindmarsh. His Worship pointed out to the youth that as he was over 12 years of age he could chose whether to be tried by this Court or go before the Supreme Court in December next. The former case was chosen. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The father asked that he be severely dealt with, as he had been a very bad lad. His Worship, after reading the prisoner a severe lecture, sentenced him to ten strokes with the birch rod.