THE COURTS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 284, 10 July 1873, Page 9

THE COURTS.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURT, LAWRENCE. (Before K. H. Carew, Esq., R.M.) Friday, 4th July. James Hopkins v. John North. — Mr. Mouat for plaintiff ; Mr. M'Coy for the defendant. This was action brought to recover from the defendant the sum of £4, being part valua of a horse at one time the property of defendant and one Henry Balliston, then working as mates, and sold by them to Hopkins for the sum of £8, on the consideration that they should have the horse an repaying the purchase money to Hopkins. Thoy got the horse back again, and promised to pay as soon as possible. They paid a small portion in cash, and on various occasions sent pork to the plaintiff for sale, leaving a balance of £4. The action was brought to recover that amount. The case was gone into at some length, in which hard swearing was a prominent feature. His Worship commented upon its too frequent occurrence in this Court, and eventually gave a verdict for the defendant. John M'Gomb v. Robert Grieve. — Mr. M'Coy for plaintiff; Air. Mouat for defendant. This action was brought to decide the ownership of a small house situated on the Blue Spur, at one timo occupied by Mr. Gill lerfc Ralston, and sold by him to the plaintiff for £'8. M'Comb afterwards spent some £18 on improvements. A brother-in-law of his (M' Douall) then became his tenant, and, according to plaintiffs evidence, paid him a certain sum for board and lodgings. M'Douall was afterwards employed in tho Perseverance claim, and got into debt with defendant, who allowed him credit on the understanding that the house he was living in was his own property. He was confirmed in this belief, as on one occasion he advanced £10 to M'Douall to pay M'Comb the balance owing on the house. But tiio plaintiff states that the money, instead of part payment for the property, was to reimbmse him for board and lodging. Evidence was heard on both sides, plaintiff and,defendant coming in for a severe cross-examination. His Worship reserved judgment until next Court day.