MAGISTERIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2206, 14 April 1880, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

TIMAIIU—THIS DAY. [Before 11. Bcctham Esq., R.M.,] YuUXG DEUXQU^ TK ' Ifive boys, named Jolin Blanchette, Alfred Butter wort! i, Samuel K-rieu, Alfred Coker, and Harry Campbell v ere charged with stealing a d« alltlt Y o* lemonade, peppermint, and other co als, the pr<iperty of Jacob Lovicn, on A[id 1. The boys pleaded guilty. According to Inspector 1 endci c nightman had told young Blanchette that he was in the habit of helping himself to lemonade at Lcvicns p ace, » Blanchette had introduced the other boys to the premises. They had made v>

.foraging visits the last being on Sunday night. The parents of the boys were caned and the youngsters having been dulyadmonished were handed over to their fathers for correction with the rod previous to being allowed to leave the police station. ALLEGED PEEJUEY. James McLeish was charged on three informations with having committed perjury in connection with the now famous Saltwater Creek sheep ease. Mr Hatnersley appeared on behalf of the accused, Mr .Hislop and Mr Perry appeared to prosecute. . Mr Hislop in opening his case, briefly referred to the recent dispute as to Inc ownership of the flock of sheep, Iho Court would remember that McLcisli and some men in his employment had been recently prosecuted by Mr Orr for alleged riot, and McLeish had afterwards laid an information against On* fori riot. This information had _ been laid by McLeish. with the sole object of causing a warrant to be issued for the apprehension of Mr Orr, in order that he (McLeish) might regain, possession of the flock of sheep. He had no fear of any riot taking place, but was simply actuated by ulterior motives. W. C. Bcswick, J.P. deposed to barmg signed the three informations laid by McLeish. Could not remember at what hour he signed them or the warrants.

Win. Ecdfcrn, acting bailiff, Tiinaru, deposed to the disturbance at Saltwater Creek on the 18th March, and to being present on the occasion. Full partiem lars of the dispute have already been published; By Mr Hamcrsley—Witness was engaged with some others to drive the sheep from the Creek. In reply to a question of His Worship’s Mr Perry remarked that their contention was that the information was sworn on the day subsequent to the riot.

Sergeant Haldane remembered March 18 last, and also going with George Parr to Pighunting Creek, the scene of the disturbance on that day. Subsequently made throe arrests but could not say from whom the warrants were received. They were received on the morning of the 19th from Mr Hammersly’s clerk, the witness believed but contd no be sure. Arrested Orr on the 18th, the night before the case came on.

In reply to a question of Mr Hamorslcy’s His Worship said that the only question for the Bench to decide was whether when McLeish laid the informations he had reasons for knowing and did know that he was swearing falsley. B. Woolcombe, J.P., remembered March 18. McLeish, Bull, and Nesbitt were brought before him on tiiat day, and let out on bail. Air Hamersley appeared for the defendant on that occasion, and applied for bail, offering to guarantee on behalf of bis client that there should be no more disturbance ; saying it was merely a frivolous charge against bis client, and that there had been no riot. Witness suggested to both Orr and McLeish that they should give him their words that the sheep should remain in the paddock until next morning, and the iloek could be placed in the bands of the receiver appointed by the Supreme Court. Witness bound over both parties to appear next morning ; issued a warrant for the arrest of Orr to prevent the possibility of a disturbance taking place. McLeish laid tbo information. Witness positively refused to have any other persons arrested, except McLeish and Orr.

George Orr employed by J. and T. Meek of Oamaru, deposed to removing the sheep from G ibson’s paddock, Saltwater Creek, on March 18. Was in quiet possession of the sheep on that day until Pighunting creek was reached when McLcish came up and the disturbance took place. Bradley, Newton, and Ecdfern were in witness’s employment that day. Sergeant Haldane arrested McLeish, Bull and Nesbitt. The sheep were put into Smith’s paddock, Kerr, one of witness’ men, being in charge. The sheep were afterwards taken away, and next time witness saw them they were in McLeish’s possession. Did not know until Monday that action had been taken by McLcish against tbc Meeks for damages.