RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2808, 13 February 1878, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY.

(Before H. Goldsmith and J. Skene,

Eggs., J's.P.) BBEACH OJF LICENSING ACT.

Francis O'Dowd was charged that he, being the holder of a publican's license in respect to the Moanatairi Hotel, did unlawfully permit the principal entrance to be kept open at an hour when the sale of liquors is forbidden, on Sunday, the 10th inst.

Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr Bullen said that according to Mr O'Dowd's statement fire men, the worse of liquor, had, early on Sunday morning, forced their way surreptitiously into his bar. This might or might not be the

case, but ho might say that a constable was near at hand, and if defendant had wanted to eject the men ho could have had it dorm. However, as defendant's hotel hnd been well conducted, and as there were no previous convictions against him, he would not press for a heavy penalty. Fined 20s and costs. PIG STEALING.

Stephen Fisher, Amos Fisher, George Fisher and William Bennett, four young men, were charged with unlawfully and feloniously killing two pigs, the property of one Haora Moaranga, at l?iako, with tho intention of stealing the carcases 'of the pigs aforesaid. Mr Bullen said that the defendants had killed the pigs, and had made no attempt at concealment, as they elated that they thought the pigs were wild. Mo was inclined to give the defendant! the benefit of the doubt, and would ask that the charge be withdrawn, as they had paid the value of the pigs killed. For the information of them and others, he might stale that none of the pigs on tho east bank of the Piako were wild, and, indeed, all of them were earmarked.

The Bench permitted the withdrawal of the charge, and hoped that it would be a warning to defendants and others. Court adjourned.