Another Breach of Promise.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4308, 21 October 1882, Page 2

Another Breach of Promise.

[by telegraph.] (pbom oub own cobbeßpondent.)

Wellington, This day. A " Chrisp " story is afloat to the effect that a well known Auckland-Wellington barmaid has instituted proceedings for a breach of promise against a Government official here at one time employed in the Bank of New Zealand, Thames, and is now an officer in the Wellington Navals, and was engaged a year ago to the daughter of a gentleman who once resided on the Hape Creek Road; damages £300. Mr Shaw, ex District Judge, has been retained by the lady.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. (Before H. Kenrick, Esq., E.M. MRS NEWSON'S EFFIGY. The adjourned case of Mrs Newson, of Kolleston street, against Mrs Graham, of the some street, was catled on.

Mrs Newson, in reply to the Bench, said Mrs Grabam-4md--«ince_J)een very quietr-btrt—Mrs" Owens and Mrs MorariT were awfully annoying. His Worship: Are you sure all the fault is on one side, Mrs Newson ?

Mrs Newson "looked daggers," but calmly repudiated the idea of anything other than long-suffering patience, Christian forbearance, and lamb-like meekness on her own part. _ His Worship did not seem quite con» vinced on that, head, Mrs Newson's indignation notwithstanding, but went on to inform Mrs Graham that she had acted very foolishly in bribing the children to annoy Mrs Newson, and ordered her to en ter into her own recognizances for £10 to keep the peace for three months.

AN AFFILIATION CASE

An ex publican on the Thames did not appear to answer to the charge of failing to contribute to an order of the Court for maintenance of an illegitimate child. Mr Miller said about 10 days or a fortnight ago defendant spoke to him in Auckland, and he promised, to look into the matter. Soon afterwards the sum mons was issued. His efforts would have been in the direction of haying the order, 15s a week, an unusually heavy one, reduced. He bad learned that other solicitors in Auckland were acting for defendant, so he did not take any steps. He bad no doubt the defendant was desirous of compromising, and would ask for an adjournment.

The Clerk of the Court said several payments had been made, but they had been neglected for some weeks.

The complainant deposed that the cook of the hospital had three or four letters from the defendant, to the effect that he would leave the country if the amount was not reduced.

Mr Miller argued that that was a proof he did not intend to go away; if such were his intention he would not say so. His Worship said that he made the order unusually heavy because a letter had been read from the defendant to the effect that he would pay any order that wasinade, and it was represented at. the time that he was a well to do hotelkeeper, who had seduced a servant in his employ. He should have taken proper means to have the sum reduced, and not disobeyed ;the order of the Court. A. warrant would be issued for his apprehension.

ALLEGED DISOBEDIENCE OF PROHIBITION

OBDEtt

Alex. Wood Burns, licensee of the Shotover Hotel, was cited for serving drink to Jane French, a prohibition order notwithstanding. Sergt.-Mfljor Kiley proaecuted. Mr Miller, for defendant, pleaded not guilty. Jane French, laundress, deposed that on last Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock she went to the Shotover Hotel, beyond the Moanataiari battery, to get beer. Mrs Burns gave her half a pint of beer, which she drank. She asked for threepence worth more to take home, which was paid for. Mrs Burns said that> if the police met her they might examine her kit. Witness replied she would give them no cause to do that, and poured the beer out of the bottle, giving half to Tom Catran, and drinking the rest herself. She had another half-pint from Mrs Burns on trust. Catran was uot very drunk, but he was intoxicated; She was perfectly sober when she went there. Catran shouted another half-pint for her, and told Mrs Burns to put it down to him. The next thing she knew she was in the lock up. She had been at the hotel since the prohibition order was made.

Cross examined by Mr Miller-r-Had been in the lock up for drunkenness several times, also for stealing. Passed two other hotels, but did not go into either. Three or four half pints would make her drunk. She had a little beer on Monday, but could not say how much. Mrs Burns did not order her out at onceShe always received her when she had a shilling. Mrs Burns told her Burns was in bed tight from the night before. Burns did not put her out; he was not able to put himself. Saw Donovan working opposite the Shotover Hotel, Hie gave Mrs Burns the only sixpence she had, which she borrowed, coming down the creek. . Could not recollect whether she went over and spoke to Donovan, she was. so full of beer. i

Constable Herbert deposed to apprehending Mrs French for drunkenness. About 12.30 she came to the station drunk to make a complaint, and voluntarily stated that she bad been supplied with the beer at the Shotover Hotel."

Thomas Catran, miner, deposed to knowing Mrs French, Mr Burns, and the Shotover Hotel very well. Mrs French had no beer iv the hotel that morning. She was there only ten minutes. Mrs Burns ordered her out, Mr Burns shoved her out, and then she said she would have a spite against Mrs Burns. Did not shout for her. Did not know whether she was drunk or not. He would have seen if she had drink, as he was there all the time. He was then no more drunk than now.

Timothy Donovan' deposed to being in the hotel last Tuesday. Did not see Mrs Gallagher (Mrs French) inside the bar; saw her outside. He was a bit on the

beer himself. She sat down beside him where he was working, and said of Mrs

Burns, " That wretch would not give me a pint of beer although I have the money." This was between 9 and 10, and Mrs French did not appear the worse of liquor. "\ His Worship did not call upon Mr Miller for the defence, as the last two witnesses completely 'contradicted the first, and as they were disinterested parties he must assume they were more likely .to be telling the truth than she was. Case dismissed.