MAGISTERIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2182, 16 March 1880, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

TIMARU —THIS DAY. (Before His Worship the Mayor and B. Woollcombe Esq. J.P.) VAGRANCY. Charles Evans, alias Piccolo Charley, was brought up on the above charge. The police stated that he had been loafing about Timaru for some days past, and had been frequently cautioned to leave. He had several times promised to do so, but never went. The accused pleaded hard to be let off. He had been working all this season at harvesting, and had work awaiting him now at Pareora. Sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard lobour. SOLICITING PROSTITUTION. Eliza Jane Grey was charged with being a vagrant and with soliciting prostitution. Inspector Pender stated that the accused, whom he had known for 10 or 12 years past, was one of the worst women in Canterbury, and that he considered her a most dangerous one. Last night she was seen dragging a drunken man about the streets, and getting him to purchase tilings for her at various shops. She was taking him home with her. The accused indignantly denied the Inspector’s statement, and said that she was quite capable of earning - an honest livelihood. Sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labor. ALLEGED I.ARCENCY OF SHEEP. The ease against George Orr for the alleged larceny of 800 sheep was proceeded witii tliis morning - . Messrs Perry and Hislop appeared on behalf of the accused. Mr Hamersloy appeared to prosecute. A lengthy contention took place between the learned Council respecting the admissability of Mr Meek’s further evidence, inasmuch as it only referred to certain conversations with accused before the removal of the sheep. Mr Hamersley opposed the admission of the evidence.

Messrs Perry and Hislop contended that it was perfectly adraissable. After some further discussion the Bench ruled that Mr Meek’s evidence was admissablc, this being only a preliminary enquiry. James Meek was then examined, and deposed to Orr having returned from Hakatcramea on the Saturday following his going there. He reported to witness on his return as to what he had done. Orr was in the employment of the firm. The first intimation received by witness as to the sale of the sheep to McLcish, he heard the week before last. He thereupon instructed Orr to find out the whereabouts of the sheep. Was not acquainted with McLcish. Witness caused enquiries to be made as to the price the sheep were said for, and also about McLeish ; and having done so told Grr that he considered that, the sale of the sheep was a fraudulent one, and instructed him to go and take possession of them pending the appointment of a receiver to be appointed by the Supreme Court. Instructed Mr Orr to put the sheep in a paddock and keep possession of them until a receiver was ajipoiuted. Received the order appointing a receiver in February. Heard McLeish had purchased the sheep, but did not communicate with him on the subject. Scott had no right to sell; he had been managing the working part of the farm at Hakateremea. In the partnership deed of the firm there was a clause prohibiting him from selling without the consent of the firm.

Sergeant Haldane deposed to arresting the accused on the charge of larceny of the sheep. He said he had placed the sheep in a paddock at Saltwater ci’eek as there was some trade dispute about them, and he did not want them removed until it was settled. Witness thereupon took charge of the sheep ; accused did not object. This was all the evidence.

Their worships said that they should dismiss the case ; there was no evidence of any felonious intent. Orr had been simply acting under instructions from Meek in order that the sheep belonging to the firm might be put into the hands of the receiver appointed b} r the Supreme Court. The accused was then discharged.