RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2938, 16 July 1878, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. . (Before W. Fraser, Esq., R.M.) - IABCENT. James Burrell.on remand, was charged with stealing two pigs, valued at £1, from Waitakururu, the property of Hone Ngahuka, on the 6th inst. defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Bullen stated the case. Mr E. W. Puckey was sworn to act as interpreter. Hone Ngahuka, sworn, deposed—l reside at Waitakururu. At the end of the | last month I came over here from my settlement to attend the Lands Court. My people came also, leaving no one at the settlement. When we left there were some pigs there. I saw two pigs of mine at Townsend's butcher's shop, which I left at JVaitakururu. Their ears were marked." The pigs are worth one, pound. I bred them myself, and have had them since they were littered. I saw them just before I left Waitakururu. I did not sell them or give them away. . By defendant—l accuse you of stealing those pigs.. It is not possible that any one could have brought them over. . Pipi, a native woman, gave corroborative evidence concerning the identification of the pigs. < John Townsend, sworn, deposed-^I am a bufcher carrying on business in Pollen street. I recognise the defendant. He came to "me asking me' to purchase some pigs, and I said I would come and look at them at the beach at Shortland when I had, time. Is next saw: him last i Monday, and went and looked at the pigs at his house. I bought the two'for 15s, and they were taken to my place, and they remained there till Thursday, when they were claimed by the Native. Detective Brennan, sworn, deposed—l arrested the defendant on Saturday last, aiid charged him with the larceny of the pigs. He said he had bought them from a Native for 11s, and had sold them to Townsend for 15s. Constable Stapleton, sworn, deposed— I am stationed at Shortland. I accompanied the native to Townsend's shop Fast Thursday, and took possession of the pigs clam-cd by Hone. - _ Defendant stated that he had purchased the pigs from-a native on the beach, but did not know who he was. There had been hundred! of pigs sold by the natives since the Court started. His Worship ssid defendant would be sentenced lo three months' imprisonment with hard labor. BOWDY BEHAVIOUR. James Benney was- charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct in Campbell street last night, with assaulting Constable Hogan whilst in the execution of his duty, and with damaging Constable Hogan'B uniform coat and trousers of the value of 465. Defendant pleaded guilty to the first charge and not guilty to. the ot ler two. Constable Hogan, sworn, deposed—l am stationed at Grahamstown, and was on duty in Campbell street last night. The wife of defendant asked my assistance in consequence of her husband assaulting her. I accompanied her to his house. I tapped at the door, and defendant came out. I tried to get him to let his wife in, and he abused me and struck me. I then arrested him, and we scuffled and fell. Two women then came on to me, and tried to get defendant away. I blew my whistle for assistance, i nd a Mr Bruce assisted me to get defendant to the lockup. During the scuffle my clothes were torn. Alexander Bruce, sworn, gave corroborative evidence. ' . Defendant was fined 20s and costs, with the usual'alternative, for the first offence, 40s and costs or three days' imprisonment for the second offence, and 20s and costs and the value of the constable's uniform, or in default 14 days' imprisonment for the third offence.

FIGHTING IN THE STBBKT. James Moonce and George Parker were charged with fighting in Pollen street, on tbe 12th inst. Defendants pleaded guilty. Mr Macdonald appeared for defendants, and said that only one blow was struck. Constable Scott, sworn, deposed—l am stationed at Shortland. I recollect the 12th inst. On that day I saw the defendants in Pollen street, surrounded by a large crowd. When I came round they both went to Iheir cabs. Parker showed me a cut on his forehead.caused by a blow from Mounce. „ .. His Worship said he would take a lenient view of the case, and fine each of the defendants 10s and costs. ALLEGED LTTNACY. Lilly MoManus, on remand, was charged on suspicion of being of unsound mind. ' ' ," , Mr Bullen said that tbo doctors had examined tbe child, and were prepared lo certify to her insanity. M. H. Payne, sworn, deposed—l am duly quo "fied medical practitioner, prao-

tising at the Thames. I have examined the girl, and find she is insane, and not fit to be at large. Mrs H. McManus, who was strongly affected, said that the child was subject to fits", but was not insane. The night the police had taken charge of her she had been making a noise. She had asked them not to take the girl, but they insisted on it, and took her away. She asked to be allowed to take charge of the girl'for a little while. His Worship asked Mrs McManus if she Mas prepared to take the responsibility of keeping the girl. Mrs McManus: What responsibility, your Worship? His Worship: If she does herself or any one else harm you would be put on your trial. Dr. Payne said that Mrs McManus had informed him and Dr. O'Flaherty that she was afraid to go near the girl when in one of these fits. Francis O Flaherty, a duly qualified medical practitioner practising at Thames, corroborated Dr. Payne's evidence concerning the child's insanity, and His Worship committed her to tbe Lunatic Asylum. Court adjourned.