RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2084, 12 August 1890, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

t a i r 1 T I t 1 I [Before C. A. Wray, Esq., R.M.] a boys’ qxjabeel. George - Mehrtens was charged on the juforojation of Andrew Webb that he Mi unlawfully ussaulf apd beat him op Spfurday |nly 2§th. From the htopf pf complainant, whose age was 10 years, it appeared that the defendant, aged about 12 [ years, pushed him into a gorse fence, I hit him and .kicked him. It was I jtp tlji© ' Mrs Wfsh ,?J?g had brought het'oTP the' po'prt bjepanss she ft® 8 " ,i ,f & oomiw V bad several time Vents the Mehrtens boys, ; only abused her for it. Constable Morton said the boy had been brought to him on the day following the assault. His face was then swollen. A little boy named J. Row© gave evidence as to the assault. Webb had “ cheeked ” Mehrtens and called him “ mutton eater.” The row commenced from Webb telling Mehrtens not to go into Mr Wareing’s paddock. Geo. Mehrtens said that Webb was always cheeking him, He called him “ mutton eater,” so he (defendant), gave him a clip on the ear. He knocked him into a gorse bush. Had tb r ashed him before.

Temeka— Monday, Aotguse IJ, J§9o

His Worship said he thought it a case that might have been settled out of court by the parents. The case would be dismissed. STONE THROWING-. John Spillaoe and Thomas Prattley were charged with unlawfully throwing stones on July 26th, to the danger and disturbance of the public. . Peter Golden said that about one o’elock in the morning of July 26th, he was disturbed by stones thrown at the door. Heard Prattley saying “ Go, it Jack.” Had cautioned him about it. Spillaue had apologised. Constable Egan said that complaints had been made about the conduct of some of the lads who went home late and made night hideous for some of the residents in Arowhenua. Had spoken to Spillane about his conduct. Constable Morton said that the case had been brought on account of complaints made. J. Spillane said that he had been working late that night and bad a drink or two. He had only thrown two or three stones. It was his first appearance there and he hoped he would be dealt leniently with. Prattley in defence said he had never kicked up a row in his life. His Worship said that the larrikinism in small places would have to be put down. It was their first appearance and they would be fined 5s each.

He cautioned them to refrain from drink. LAECBNT. Edward Eussell, aged 17 years, a native, was charged with stealing 6s in silver, a pipe yalue 10s, and a knife 2s, the property of Darby Dunn. Defendant admitted taking a pipe, a knife, two handkerchiefs, and a little chain.

Darby Dunn said that he was engaged working at Mr Humphrey’s, Seadown. He was in the paddock and on returning to the house had missed several articles. Noticed accused on the road and suspected him. Had spoken to accused who gave him the pipe, but he denied taking anything else. The room where the goods were in was ransacked. The money was in his trousers pocket, Censtable Egan deposed to arresting accused, who admitted stealing a pipe and handkerchiefs, but denied taking any money. Only found threepence on him. He had been sentenced to imprisonment for horse stealing.

John Cope, (a native) said that the accused was a friend of his. He was not. a relative as far as he knew. He could not trace his pedigree. Knew that he did a little mischief amongst the Maoris. Had been a good boy since he came out of gaol. His Worship said it was a great pity to see a fine young lad spending his life in gaol.

Constable Morton said that he had known the accused for about five years. There were several complaints made against him, but they had not been pressed. Had tried to have him controlled.

Replying to Constable Morton Cope said that the lad bad declared that he was happier m gaol than at the pah. His Worship addressed the accused and that he should be sorry to send him to gaol for six months, the full term allowable. He hoped that he would think over things, and make up his mind te refrain from stealing and eventually becoming a gaol-bird. He would be imprisoned for one month with hard labor. CIYIE CASES. Michael Scannell v. E. Cope—Claim £5 3s 6d. This was a case adjourned from the previous court day, to enable proof to be brought of the signing of a certain order the signature to which was disputed. i The plaintiff said that on several occasions he had lent money to defendant on the security of orders. One of these was upon P. O’Mara, and defendant had denied ever giving an order upon him, or having any transaction with him. P, O’Mara said that he had been promised the lease of 40 acres of land at 10s per acre, and had paid £3 to defendant on account. Was subsequently told that Cope had no right to let the land, as the other natives objected. The order produced was presented by Mr Scannell, and he declined to pay until such time as he got some satisfaction about the lease. Had subsequently received the £3 back by an order on Mr Hornbrook. E. Cope, sworn, said that he never gave the order produced to O’Mara. The signature produced was not m bis hand writing. Had never admitted pwjng the money. His Worship said that the plaintiff ought to haye had a witness to the signature. He would give judgment for £2 10s, the amount of one order. Plaintiff applied for ss, the expenses of a witness, which was granted.

Sobert Darroch v. O. H. Keid— Cla[m £1 16s 4d. Judgment by fof affto ftffp claimed and costs. 3?be Goyrb fcbejj toffi.