RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2876, 4 May 1878, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. (Before W. Eraser, Esq., R.M.) INDECEKCY; Mowbray Meggett, on remand, wa, charged with indecently exposing his person in a public piace, to wit, Brown streets Thames. ": Mr Bullen said that defendant had procured a new suit of clothes, and had cleaned himself. He would ask to withdraw the charge. His Worship cautioned the defendant, and let him go. TTNIAWFtTIiLY DEPASTtTBING. Charles Hart was charged with unlawfully depasturing six cows in a public highway, to wit, Grey street, Thames, on the 26th inst. Mr Macdonald appeared for the defendant who pleaded not guilty. Mr Bullen put in the Acts and Gazettes, and said that, though the defendant had not depastured the cattle himself, a servant of his had. Constable J. W. Day, sworn, deposed— I am stationed at Shortland, and know Grey street. I recollect the 26th of last month when I saw six head of cattle belonging to defendant on the road and footpath feeding. I went up to them, and asked a young man in charge who they belonged to. He said they belonged to Mr Hart. . By Mr Macdonald—The cattle were not on the old cricket ground when I saw them. The lad drove them on the cricket ground when he saw me coming. I counted the cows. They were all in a drove. I watched the cows for half an hour to see if they would be driven on or not. I saw the cattle on the road from the station. ' . Henry Taylor, a small boy, deposed that he had put the cows on the cricket ground while he was having a drink. Mr Macdonald addressed the Court arguing that the defendant did not come within the meaning of the Act. j Eobt. Thomas Buckley, deposed that on the day in question he was going to Parawai, and when near the station he saw Constable Day come off the station verandah and walk towards the defendant's cows which were being driven on to the old cricket ground. The cows were on the cricket ground when the constable got lip. This was about 2 o'clock. Jeremiah Horn, deposed that Mr Hart's cows were taken off the paddocks every day at 2 o'clock. Fined 5s and costs. - ASSAULT. James Maguire was charged with unlawfully assaulting one Henry M. Jacobs, at Tapu, on the 30th ult. Mr Brassey appeared for defoJiSant, who pleaded not guilty. Mr Maea9*mld appeared for the plaintiff. » N ■■ On the suggestion of Mr Brassey His Worship said as there were two informations he would hear the evidence for both cases at once. Witnesses were ordered out of Court. Susan Stevens, sworn, deposed—l am the wife of the Tapu postmaster, and know Maguire, who carries the mail. About 4 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon Maguire came in. Before Maguire came in Jacobs had been in making complaints about the mail. Jacobs said he had sent a telegram, and when Maguire came in I told him what Jacobs had done. Ido not remember what Maguire said, but I told him not to get excited. I did hot see the assault.

By Mr Brassey—-I don't know that Jacobs is a cantankerous individual.

Henry Moss Jacobs, sworn, deposed— lam an hotel keeper at Tapu. On Tuesday last I had reason to be dissatisfied with the postal arrangements, and telegraphed to the postmaster at Thames. I went and got my letters and papers and was going home when.l heard Maguire calling after me. I turned round and lie said " What have you been telegraphing about me,".and struck me on the eye. I never assaulted Maguire. By Mr Brassey—l struck the post* master at Tapu once. When Maguire spoke I moved my hand, and said that "That was my business." 1 don't think

I touched Maguire. I did not slap him on the face, and tell him to clear out. I had papers and letters in my hand. John Murray, sworn, deposed—l reside at Hastings, and was at the Post Office on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Jacobs came out, and afterwards I saw the pair of them squabbling in front of the Post Office. Meguire had his coat on. I saw Maguire strike Jacobs several times. Maguire bears a very good character down Ihere. Jacobs has had several fights. , i Robt. Johnston, sworn, deposed—l re- ! side at Hastings, arid was in the post- j office -on Tuesday afternoon, Plain- • tiff was there, and I. saw him go i towards home with some papers and ! letters in his hand. About a minute after j I heard Maguire's voice say, "Mr Jacobs, what have you to say about me." I then heard a scuffle. Maguire had his coat on. Jacobs said to witness, ''Mr Johnston, you are to blame for this by divulging the contents of my telegram to Maguire." James Maguire, sworn, deposed—l am the defendent in this action. When I arrived at Tapu on Tuesday, I saw Mr Murray and Mr Stevens who told mo that Jacobs had been complaining about me. I went and delivered the mail, and seeing Jacobs coming out of the post office, I asked him what he had to say about me. With that he struck me in the face, and we had a bit of a set to. John Stevens, a lad, sworn, deposed—l am the son of the* postmaster at Tapu. On Tuesday last I saw Maguire speaking to Jacobs, and Jacobs raised his hand as if to strike. They had a row then. His Worship said that the defendant would be fined .408 and costs, which amounted to £3 12s, or in default 14 days' imprisonment. Defendant said he would take it out. His Worship : Sergeant, remove that young man. A CBOSS ACTION. Henry M. Jacobs was charged with unlawfully assaulting one James Maguire at Tapu on the 30th inst. Case dismissed. THREATENING LANGUAGE. George Oribb was charged with using threatening and insulting language towards O. M. Grant, tending to provoke a breach of the peace at Thames on the 3rd inst. " v There was no appearance of either party, therefore the case was struck out.Court adjourned.