MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2217, 29 January 1868, Page 3

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Toesoay, Jan. 28, (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., E,M.) There were no criminal cases set down for hearing this day. CIVIL CASES. Beigiitjiobe v. Bennett and Todd, —This was a claim for the balance of an aocount for work done. The plaintiff did not appear, and the defendant pliaded that the work had not been completed according to the specification. Judgment for the defendant. Appleyabd v. Ddtton.—This was also a claim for the balance of an account for some work done by the plaintiff for the defendant. Some evidence was adduced, and the case was ultimately adjourned for a week. Simpson's Estate v. Feltham.—Claim for a parcel of cigars supplied by Simpson to the defendant's order. E. Banks stated that the cigars had been ordered by a man named FitzGerald, who was barman to the defondant. Witness supposed that the cigars were for the defendant's use. The defendant was sworn, and stated that ho Dever authorised FitzGerald to purchase cLars for him, FitzGerald hud since left Christchurch. Defendant had never received any cigars. The case was n journert until February 8, in order that FitzGerald might be produced. Leathamv. Hichns.—This case had been adjourned for the production of further evidence. It was a claim for tlie care of some sheep belonging to the defendant. His Worship said that it was a matter of regret that no contract had been made. Judgment for the plaintiff for £6los, and the expenses of two witnesses, Whiting v. Fanthaji.—Claim for fencing done by the plaintiff for the defendant. Plaintiff stated that the defendant authorised him to undertake the work, but that there had been only a verbal agreement between them. Defendant admitted that he had authorised the plaintiff to do some work, but not that for which he now claimed payment, Plaintiff did some part of the second job, but in a very unsatisfactory manner, and when remonstrated with, had become very abusive. Defendant did not know that plaintiff was engaged in doing the second piece of • fencing until informed of it by one of his boys. He ordered plaintiff to send in his bill for the first job, and that ho would pay him, and would have nothing more to do with him,

Some other evidence was adduced with reference to the work done, and the nature of the ground. Plaintiff asserted thafc the defendant was perfectly aware that he was engaged in finishing the second piece of fencing. His Worship remarked that it was a very singular case, Judgment would be given for the plaintiff for £1 6s, costs to be divided. Blakb v. Thojisoh.—Claim for wages as a general servant. Plaintiff stated that she was engaged by Mrs (Thomson as a general servant, on trial for one month at 10s per week, but that she was discharged by Mr Thomson at the expiration of eleven days. She had done the general work of the houie, and was not aware of the cause of her dismissal. She never had refused to do anything she was ordered. The defendant was sworn, and stated that the plaintiff had frequently made use of very impertinent language. She had done all in her power to annoy the family. He hud frequently cautioned her. She was dismissed because she had declined to come when she was distinctly called. Mrs Thomson stated that the plaintiff was discharged on account of refusing to obey the orders given to her, and for impertinent conduct. His Worship said that on the evidence it appeared that the plaintiff had been engaged for a month on trial. Although the plaintiff's conduct had been very annoying, it was hardly such as to justify her dismissal without reasonable notice, Judgment would be given for the plaintiff for £2, less £1 paid into court. LYTTELTON, (Before Captain Gibson.) John Cochrane was charged with plying for hire at tho lan ing stairs, he not boing a licensed waterman, The evidence of James O'Neill and Dr Donald having been taken, he whb fined £l. A similar case against— Snoswill was adjourned to Thursday. Some civil cases were decided, which occupied the Court till a late hour, but none were of any publio importance;