MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 255, 1 December 1914, Page 10

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

(Before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M.)

DEINK AND BEOKEN ORDERS.

Mary Cutfield, for a third offence of drunkenness within the period, was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour, She showed a bad record.

Jf}in Farrell, for a second offence of drunkenness in Cathedral Square, which also -constituted a breach of his prohibition order, was fined 10/-, in default 48 hours' imprisonment on each charge. John Gearschawski, on two charges, one of procuring liquor and one of entering licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order, was fined 10/-, in default 48 hours' imprisonment on the second charge, that of procuring liquor being dismissed for want of conclusive evidence.

Wm. Gardner Paul, for having entered licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order, was also fined 10/- with the usual option.

MAINTENANCE

Nellie Chapman was ordered to pay 10/- a week towards the support of her child, eight years of age.

PUKE FOODS ACT

Thos. Bismian (Mr Cassidy) was proceeded against by Inspector Kershaw, Food Inspector, for selling milk below standard. Mr Cassidy admitted that the milk had not been up to standard, but he wished to prove that no water had been added, as the defendant had been in the business for 30 years and had never been proceeded against before.

He called A. M. Wright, analytical chemist, whose analysis coincided with the analysis of the Government Analyst in most respects. He admitted the possibility of there being 83 per cent, of water in the milk, equal to one-tenth of a pint of water in a gallon of milk. The defendant gave evidence of his experience, etc., but the Magistrate held that the obligation was with the milk vendor to see that the milk was up to standard, and imposed a fine of £5 and costs.

Later, when the batch of cases had been heard, Mr Cassidy prevailed upon the Magistrate to reduce the fine to 40/- and costs, to bring it in line with the others. ADJOURNED. Francis Redman (Mr Wright) was charged on two informations of selling milk not up to standard. The hearing of the ease was adjourned for a week. OTHER FINES. Robert Ellis (Mr Flesher) was similarly charged. There was a very small margin of difference between the defendant's test and the test required, but a fine of 40/- and costs was imposed. John Wm Dobby, on a like charge, was also fined 40/- and costs, as was Win. Gillespie, for whom Mr F. Wilding appeared. Thos. Wilson, charged similarly, was fined 60/- and costs, having been previously fined 40/- within the year.

A BETTING CASE. Maurice Morton (Mr Cassidy) was charged that, beiug a bookmaker, he frequented the Riccarton racecourse on November 11 for the purpose of betting. " He pleaded not guilty. Frank O'Connell, racecourse detective, gave evidence of having seen the accused on the day in question. Various people went up to him and spoke, and something appeared to pass between them. As the result of Morton's actions witness said ho took him to the secretary's office, where Morton said that the race-books he had in his possession had been picked up on the course. He admitted ownership of a notebook he had in his possession.

Detective Gibson said he knew Morton for a bookmaker by repute. Mr-. Cassidy submitted that there had

been no offence committed. The charge did not come under the Act.

The Magistrate upheld this contention, and the charge was amended to one of betting on a racecourse. Mr Cassidy held that there was no evidence of betting, except from the books and the very vague evidence of Detective O'Cdnnell.

The defendant, in evidence, said he made no bet on the 11th except on the machine, lie was a range-fitter by occupation. To the Chief Detective: • He would swear that he didn't make any bet on the 11th except on the machine. Various people had gone in with him to make up sweeps, but all the 'money went on the machine. The writing in the books was his, and referred to betting.

The Magistrate held that there wa3 no direct evidence, and the information was dismissed. The Chief Detective said that later on he would bring charges in regard to other davs.

LYTTELTON. (Before Messrs C. Furrier and G. 0 Smith, J.Prt.) THEFT.

Frederick Campbell was charged with stealing a revolver on November 28, between Wellington and Lyttelton, the property of P. C. Piran. Senior-Sergeant Evan explained that the owner had left "the revolver in his overcoat on the deck of the s.s. Wahine.