RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 316, 5 August 1868, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Tuesday, August 4<. (Before J. Giles Esqr., EM.) Bridget Hamilton applied through Mr Tyler for protection for her property, as she had been deserted by her husband, and his creditors now threatened to seize the only means she had of obtaining a living. The order was granted, after hearing the evidence of the applicant. OBTAINING MOXEY UN'DEB FALSE PRETENCES. Thomas Simms was brought up on remand, charged with obtaining money ; under false pretences. George Beasley said he was acting as agent for $ and E Paul in Westport, in December last. They owned the the ketch Constant, and prisoner was captain of her, and in the employ of Messrs Paul. About the sth or 6th, the Constant went down, and on the latter date he sent a letter saying that he had been detained by bad weather, and that he had a charter of £3O to proceed to Fox's for a cargo of beer. The vessel was away about a week altogether, and on his return witness paid him off, and produced the receipts he then gave. He was paid in full, and there was nothing owing hi.n by Messrs Paul. At that time, the money for the charter was not paid, aud prisoner said that he had to le.ive early and could not get into the bank, and had therefore left the cheque with Cuningham aud Taylor to get cashed. Prisoner at j witness's request gave an order for the money which was produced. Witness went to Charleston next day and applied to Cunningham and Taylor for payment,' They told him that they had a cheque for £27 which he could haye, but witness declined to take less/bhan £3O. Subsequently he saw prisoner and told him. He went to Cuningham and Taylor with witness? and it then turned out that he bad received £3 for bringing a dray down, besides the £3O charter, and they wished to deduct that amouut. Witness told Cuningham and Taylor in the presence of prisoner, not to pay the balance to any one till he had seen MrJ Parker, the coarterer. He also told them that the prisoner was no longer in the employ of Messrs Paul.

Mr. J. Paul proved that the last witness was bis agent, in December and bad full power to what be pleased

with the vessel, and engage or discharge men connected with her. 110 had never authorised the prisoner to draw the money, andhadnever received it. Witncssh ad drawn on Parker and Grarsides (the charterers) through the hank of New Zealand on the 29th of December, and the order was relused payment as the money had been previously paid. "When arrested prisoner asked to see witness and then said if he was allowed to go on board the steamer Murray ho would work the money out. Prisoner was given inlo custody for having obtained £3 and the £27 under false pretences. At the request of inspector Frank-" lyn the prisoner was again remanded as the subpeenaes on witnesses for the prosecution had not been served.