RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3584, 22 June 1880, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY.

(Before H. Kenrick, Esq., R.M.) COLLARLESS DOG. John Nicholls was charged with allowing his dog to be at large, he not having a collar for the same. Fined 5s and costs. UNNATURAL OFFENCE. Patrick Lawlor was charged with unlawfully and indecently assaulting Henry Forman at Tairua.

This case was adjourned until tomorrow. RAPE. William Curnell was brought up, on remand, on a charge of commiting an indecent assault on Margaret Fergusson at the Wharf Hotel, she being then over 10 years and under 12 years of age. Sub-Inspector Kenny said that he wished to obtain permission to withdraw the present information, and to lay a fresh one. The reason for this alteration was that the child, in the first information, was described as being over ten and under twelve years of age, whereas, as a matter of fact, the child was under ten. He wished to make that alteration, and to alter the section of the Act under which the charge was brought. Mr Brassey said that the statement of Mr Kenny had taken him by surprise. He had only just returned from Auckland and had only seen his client a few minutes. He requested an adjournment of the case until to-morrow morning.

Sub-Inspector Kenny said he must object to any adjournment, as the accused could have obtained professional assis-

ance had he chosen, as there were other solicitors on the Thames besides Mr Brassey.

His Worship said he would grant the adjournment, as it would be prejudicial to Mr Brassey's case not to do so. Mr Brassey wished to consult his client, and he therefore would have the benefit of the adjournment. He would a allow the first charge to be deferred until to-morrow. when Mr Kenny could withdraw it if he chose.

Sub-Inspector Kenny : Will you adjourn the case on the second information, and allow the first one so be withdrawn, your Worship ? His Worship : No, Mr Kenny, I adjourn the case on the first information. A copy of the second will be handed to the accused's solicitor. You understand, Mr Brassey, that the case will be gone on with to-morrow, because the Crown is put to considerable expense by the adjournment. Mr Brassey said he only wanted

receive instructions from his client — he would be prepared to go on with the case to-morrow.

Court then adjourned.