RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3346, 12 September 1879, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

(Before H. Kenrick, Esq., E.M.) THIS»DAY.

ELECTION BEER.

Eobort Clementson, a man of colour, was brought up on two charges of drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Mr Brassey appeared for defendant, and admitted tho first offence, but applied for an adjournment till to morrow for the second often cc.

Fined 10s and costs in the first case, and the second case was adjourned.

ASSAULT.

Mnlc»lm Bruce wns charged with assaulting his wife, Martha Bruce, by striking her on the nose.

Mr Miller appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. Mr Brassey, for plaintiff, stated the case.

Martha Bruce, sworn, deposed—l am the wife of defendant, and recollect last Sunday. I remember having an altercation with him in my own house at 2 o'clock in tho afternoon. He used bad language to me, and I went into the kitchen, and he followed aud struck me on the nose with his elbow. I gave him no provocation whatover. By Mr- Miller: We have fallen ont in consequence of my father having his meals at our place. When he hit me ho was not trying to put me out. I called him a cur and a coward when he hit me.

'JHicbnrd JNicholls, sworn, deposed—l am a laborer. I recollect' being at the house of my daughter, Mrs Bruce, last, Sunday. (Witness here gave corrobora- j tire evidence concerning the case). __ ' Malcolm Bruce deposed that his wife liad commeu^d abusing him, and be threatened to put her out if sho would not be quiet. He caught hold of her and she was q»iet,(so he lei her alone. He denied assaulting complainant. "■""^Defendant was fined Is, and costs, and bound over to keep the peace for six xnortks in his own recognisances. His Worship said he believed there were faults on both sides. ALLEGED WIFE DESEBTIOK. Malcolm Bruce was charged with j deserting his wife Martha Bruce. Mr Miller for defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Brassey appeared for plaintiff. Mrs Bruce gave evidence, concerning the course of ill-treatment she had received at the hands of the defendant who was going to Sydney. In consequence of the ill treatment, she had been compelled to leave the house, and he refused to re-admit her.

John Townsend, butcher, gave evidence to the effect that defendant had paid his account, and told him not to supply any more meat ou his account.

The defendant gave evidence to the effect that his house was always open to his wife. The reason he had stopped his account at Townsend's, was because he thought Mrs Bruce's father would get meat in his name.

His Worship held that no desertion bad been proved, and dismissed the case, each party paying its own costs. There was some Civil business ou the list but owing to some misunderstanding as to the day of heariag, the cases were adjourned. Court adjourned.