MAGISTERIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2139, 29 January 1880, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

TIMAIIU—'THIS DAY. [Before His Worship the Mayor.] DIiUXKEXXESS. A Jirst offender was discharged with a caution. Another inebriate was iined os. wir.i’ur. damauk 'ro pkopeutv, Walter Seager, Edward Kelly, and Fred. Parsons were charged with doing wilful damage to the property of Mr West, architect, Tiniarn. The prosecutor stated that about 10 minutes or a quarter to one o’clock last night he was reading in his room, when he heard someone passing up the street on the opposite side of ttte way. Heard the footsteps again about ten minutes afterwards, and came out of the house just in time to catch the three, prisoners in the act of prizing the gate post _ for the purpose of taking the gate off its hinges. The three men were together and witness thereupon gave them in charge. The damage done was not much —probably os or (Is would cover it. Constable Smart deposed to the arrest of the accused on this charge. His Worship said he could not sec what possible object the prisoners could have had in thus wantonly destroying property. They would be lined '2Us each or in default four days imprisonment. JtKEACH Ob’ THE PEACE. John Grant was charged with committing a breach of the peace, in the presence of a constable. The accused at llrst pleaded guilty, but on hearing that the evidence was going to be taken, asked leave to withdraw his plea. James Held stated that he was at Pleasant Point yesterday and met the accused at the Hotel there. He followed witness about, and told him that if he didn’t clear out, he would kick him out. Witness asked him to go away quietly but it was no good. Accused was then asked if he wished to ask the prosecutor any questions. Accused —“ Haven’t I told you to keep away from me several times P” Prosecutor —“ You never did.” William Paul stated that he was at the Point yesterday, and witnessed the disturbance. Accused threatened to kick lleiil out if he did not go out. So far as witness knew Itcid had given accused no provocation for his conduct.

Thu arresting constable stated that Reid complained to him yesterday about Grant. Afterwards saw Grant strike accused. The accused, who seemed to bear a grudge against Reid, was lined 50s or in default seven days imprisonment. A VALUELESS CHEQUE. Dennis Barrett was charged witli obtaining £lO from James Gibson, of the Sportsman’s Arms, Hotel, Saltwater Creek, by means of a valueless cheque, with intent to defraud. Detective Kirby stated that he arrested the accused on this charge on a warrent yesterday near Pleasant Point. In reply to the charge accused said, “ I wrote a cheque and gave it to Gibson at the hotel. I should not have done so had I not been in drink.” Took the cheque to all the Banks in Tiraaru yesterday. It was returned from each of them marked “No Account.” Witness did not know anyone of the same name as the accused in the district.

Peter Berkie, barman at the Sportsman’s Arms, stated that the accused came to the hotel the day before yesterday, and had his dinner and some drinks. He told witness that he was looking after some stray horses. After dinner ho tendered witness the cheque produced, which lie pulled out of his pocket ready filled in. Witness gave the cheque to Mr Gibson, who cashed it, deducting 7s for refreshments had by accused. Accused stopped at the hotel all day, leaving on the following morning.

.lames Gibson, licensee of the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel, Saltwater Greek : Had known accused for the last eight or nine years. Cashed his cheque on this account. Presented the cheque for payment at the Bank of New Zealand yesterday. It was returned, marked “no account.” Then handed the cheque to Detective Kirby. Accused was sober when he came to the hotel. Accused -was here asked if he wished to ask the witness any questions. Accused, to Mr Gibson : “I’ll pay you back your money.” Accused was reminded that he was not asked to make any statement. 11. AV. Hall, Clerk at the Bank of New Zealand, deposed to the presentation of the cheque produced at the Bank yesterday. The drawer had no account there, and witness had failed to lind any trace of his ever having had an account there.

Inspector Ponder here remarked that he should have to ask for a remand in consequence- of his having only just discovered that the name on the cheque was Daniel Parrott, whereas the accused’s name was Dennis Parrott. This would make the charge a more serious one.

The accused Avas remanded until Saturday, at 10 a.m The Court then adjourned.