RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURT, HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1904, 18 September 1884, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRA TES' COURT, HAMILTON.

Wedxesd ay.— (Before Mr H. W. JNTorthcroffc, R.M.) THE CRIME OF TIN KETTLIXG, A somber of youths belonging to Hamilton were charged with having, on a certain evening during last week, created a disturbance in Hamilton East, by beating tin kettles, kerosene tins and other implements of torture, to the great annoyance and disgust of the residents in the immediate neighbourhood, and to the danger of passing equestrians. The defendants pleaded guilty, and Sergt. McGovern, who prosecuted, said he would not press for a heavy penalty, as the lads were the sons of respectable people, and a caution would doubtless have the desired effect. At the same time, he would point out that the offence was a serious one. Had anyone chanced to pass on a flighty horse, the consequences might have been serious. In answer to the Magistrate, defendant* said the custom of " tin kettling" was a time-honoured one, and had in variably been resorted to in Hamilton on the occasion qf a wedding. They wore very sorry if they ' had done wrong, as their object was to have •' a lark." Mr Northcroft severely admonished the defendants, but as this was the first case of the kind brought before him he would not infllict a fine. He, however, recommended the culprits to see to it that they did not appear before him again , oj> such a charge. Several unimportant debt and ratt oases were disposed of.