MAGISTERIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2594, 14 July 1881, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

TIMARU—THIS DAY. (Before R. Beetham-Esq., R.M., and W. Beswick, Esq., J.P.) drunkenness. A first offender was fined ss. Another inebriate was discharged with a caution. DESERTION. Edgar Lewis, third mate of the barque Portland, was charged with deserting from that vessel, now lying in the Timaru roadstead. The defendant pleaded guilty and said he had run away in consequence of the ill-treatment of Capt. Moir. Capt. Moir said that he had nothing particular to say against the defendant, but he wished to check these desertions from his vessel. Defendant had been away since Tuesday last. In reply to the Bench, defendant said that he had no objection to go to the ship. The Bench told the defendant that upon this understanding they would dismiss the case.

Inspector Pender said he had reason to fear that the defendant would not stop if he did go back. He was arrested at Temuka yesterday, and was than on his way North. Capt. Moir also appeared to be doubtful about the defendant remaining with him, and said something to the Bench to that effect. The Bench remarked that they could not help it ; if the defendant had refused to go back to his duty, they could have compelled him to do so, but as it was they could do no. more than they had done. The Court then adjourned.