RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 128, 21 July 1870, Page 5

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, LAWRENCE.

(Before W. L. Simpson, Esq., R.M.) Thursday, July 14. Inspector of sheep v. Walter Miller^ — The defendant was charged with having in his possession at Glenore, on the 24th June last, 2000 sheep infected with scab, contrary to the ordinance made and provided. On the application of the Inspector, an adjournment was asked for, to which application Mr. Gooday, on behalf of Mr. Miller, objected unless his (Miller's) expenses were paid. After a short consultation, an adjournment was agreed to for fourteen days. J. Long v. J. Mcc. — Mr. Gooday for the plaintiff. Claim, £4 12s 6d, being balance of account due. Defendant admitted £1 12s 6d, and pleaded an set-off for the balance. It appeared from the evidence that the parties were partners in a mining claim, which partnership had never been dissolved. Under these circumstances, and the unsatisfactory state of the accounts, the Magistrate stated that the only course he could pursue was to give verdict for the amount claimed, the same to be lodged in Court to await a final adjustment of accounts. Monday, July 18. (Before the same Magistrate.) Alex. Thompson, labourer, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Ross Place on the 17th inst. The accused pleaded guilty, and was fined 10s and costs, failing payment, 48 hours imprisonment with hard labour. John Fitzgerald v. John Donovan. — Claim, £2, for one load of straw. 10s paid into Court by plaintiff, who pleaded not further indebted. Verdict for amount paid into Court, plaintiff to pay costs of Court. Same v. Walker, Waitahuna. — Claim, £1 3s, being amount for carriage of goods from Dunedin to Waitahuna. From the evidence it appeared that one of the ; articles was a cask of beer, which was in bad order, and the defendant would not take delivery, and it was left on the road opposite his premises. Subsequently, at the instance of the police, the defendant stored it, and it is/ still on his premises. Verdict for 4s 6d, the plaintiff to pay costs of Court, and 10s expenses. At this stage the plaintiff got excited, and stated that he would bring the matter into a higher Court. James Ormond, Teviot, v. Casey Brothers, Gabriels. — Mr. Gooday appeared for defendants. Claim, £14 18s 10J, for goods sold and delivered at Hindon in 1865. A portion of the amount was for drinks, which was struck out 6f the bill. Verdict for £12 13s 8d and costs, failing payment, distress — paid. Same v. James Casey. — Claim, £2 Is, for goods 3old and delivered at Hindon in 1865. The defendant denied ever having received the goods, and the plaintiff's | book not being clear on the subject, the case was dismissed, plaintiff to pay costs of Court. Wilson and Lowden v. Downey. — Claim, 20s, damage done to plaintiffs by defendant's cow. Mr. Keen appeared for defendant. It appeared from the evidence that 10s was tendered as full payment for damage done, which was refused before summons was issued. Verdict for 15s without costs. Tuesday, July 19. (Before the same Magistrate.) Elizabeth Nesbitt was brought before | the Bench, charged with having stolen a gold crosa set with jewels, the property of Mrs. Henry, Lawrence, value £5. D. Boyd, constable, being sworn, deposed — That on the 4th July current he went to the house of Chu Qee, Chinese j Camp, for certain articles of clothing belonging to the accused, who at that time was in the camp. Mrs. Chu Qee gave him the clothing ; she also gave him the cross now in Court as belonging to prisoner. Had put it in his pocket, and for some time forgot that he had it. He gave it to the gaoler. Mrs. Chu Qee being examined — Recollected the constable calling at her house for clothes belonging to accused, who was residing with her. She found the cross on the table, and gave it to the constable, believing it to be her (the prisoner's) property. Mrs. Henry, being sworn, deposed — That she had a cross exactly like the one now produced. She missed it about three weeks ago. Would not swear it was the one she had ; there might be two alike. Could not tell its value. Prisoner was a servant in the house. She did not want to prosecute. The gaoler, being sworn, deposed to his taking the prisoner in charge, and informed her of the charge made against

her. She said that she found the article on the bedroom floor, and put it in her pocket intending to give it to Mrs. Wootton, but had forgot to do so. Had left it in the Chinese Camp, and intended writing to her sister to call and get it, and return it to Mrs. Wootton.

The prisoner, who was crying, had no question to ask any of the witnesses, and Mrs. Wootton, who was in the Court, was called and examined as to character. She gave an excellent character to prisoner, who had left her employ of her own accord. She thought the work too heavy for her. Mr. J. Nicholas, photographer, was also called and examined as to character, as he brought her from Tokomairiro. lie also gave her a good character.

Mr. Percy, Inspector, stated that he had made enquiries about the accused, and he found that she had always borne a good character. The prisoner was remanded till Thursday, pending some enquiries.