POLICE COURT.—Saturday.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 84, 16 January 1872, Page 3

POLICE COURT.— Saturday.

Before W. Fraser, E-q., K.M. BnCNKEXXES. — Iloni (a Maori) and Thomas Penderville were each fined 10s. for this offence, with the alternative of twenty-four hours’ imprisonment in case of non-payment. Cruelty to Animals. —Amelia Thornell}'was charged with cruelly ill-treating a calf, the property of William Mitchell. Air Macdonald appeared for defendant who pleaded not guilty.—William Mitchell deposed : I live near the slaughter-yard, Parawai ; have some cattle and a calf, which was running near the yard on the

10th inst. I saw it on that day ;jt was bleeding from a wound about four inches long, on the tail. It is still alive. I know the defendant; she lives in the neighbourhood, close to Rountree's pig-pen.— A lad named Martin Fitzpatrick, said he was the step-son of last witness, and looks after his stock. ‘Was minding a calf near the slaughter-yard ou the 10th instant. I saw her pick up a tomahawk and throw it at the calf. The animal was struck on the tail and badly cut; the (defendant) did not say anything, but picked up the tomahawk and went away. Constable Colman stated that in consequence of instructions received, he went to the slaughter-yard on the 10th, and there saw a calf which was pointed out to him. There was a wound from six to eight inches long on its tail, and it was bleeding a good deal. Mr Macdonald said, according to his instructions, the calf was trespassing, and the woman took up the first tiling that came into her hand, and threw it at the beast, The implement unfortunately happened to be a tomahawk, and this caused the mischief. He submitted the offence did not come within the provision of the Act as it was not designedly nor wilfully clone. The R.M. concurred and dismissed the case.

Assault. — Amelia Thornolly (defendant in the former case) was next charged with assaulting Mary Mitchell, wife of William Mitchell, by throwing hot tea over her. From the evidence, it appeared that Airs Mitchell went to Airs Thornelly and told the latter she wanted another cooling in the stockade for cutting the calf. Mrs Thornelly then retorted by telling Mrs Mitchell she had murdered her late husband, Mr Fitzpatrick, and finished up by throwing hot tea over the complainant. Mr Dodd appeared for complainant and Mr Macdonald for defendant, who was fined 40s. or three days’ imprisonment, U x register E dD 0 o.—RobcrtPcrston was charged with allowing a dog to wander at large without a ticket of leave.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Constable Cosgrave stated that the defendant came for a dog collar on the 10th instant, but not being able to get one for“ 1872 ’’would not have one at all. The dog was with him at the time.—The R.M. said the police got blamed for not enforcing the Dog Act, and when they did bring forward a case they were blamed lor sharp practice. Defendant ought not to have taken the dog out with him until it had been registered, and he must pay a line of 5s and costs.

Vagrant Quadrupeds.— James Smith, charged with permitting two horses to wander at large was fined 5s and costs. — Henry Dalton and Richard Winchcombe were each fined Is and costs, for allowing goats to stray.

Yesterday. Before E. W. Packer, Esq, J.P. Drunkenness. —John Thackcrbury was charged with being drunk; also with being an habitual drunkard. For the first offence he was lined 10s. or twentyfour hours’ imprisonment. For the second he was sentenced to two months’ hard labour. Mr Bullen said the accused had been convicted six times since November last, and handed in a record of his convictions. —Thackcrbury said if the Magistrate would only let him oil he would reform and go to Coromandel immediately, llis Worship, however, did not feel inclined to let Mr Thackcrbury off.—William J. Porter, on bail, also charged with being drunk, did not appear, and the amount of his bail was ordered to be forfeited.

Assault, —James Al'Cabo was charged with assaulting bis wife, Agnes M‘Cabe, by striking her on the bead with a stick. The lady did not appear. The husband Silked what was to become of bis children, and said he wanted to get them into the Orphan Asylum. His Worship said lie could not interfere in the matter.