POLICE COURT.—Yesterday.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1210, 19 December 1873, Page 2

POLICE COURT.—Yesterday.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., R.M.)

CHARGE AGAINST THE DOCTOR OF

THE CHILE,

Charles Reed, a passenger on board the Chile, deposed that he remembered the 2nd of October, •which was a very hot day, and the pitch was boiling where Mrs Vesey sat. He was by the hatchway at about a quarter to nine and, saw the doctor and chief mate trying to put the handcuffs on Mrs Yesey. She strongly resisted and fainted, and while in that condition Mr Hardie and the second mate completed the job. Mrs Waugh. was in the way laughing, when Mrs Vesey rushed at her, but could not strike her as she was held at the time by three men, who then hung her up to the capstan. She had no resting place for her feet. The woman was hysterical, and the position she was in was not decent. The doctor would not allow any person to adjust her clothing, but laughed over it. The women were frequently quarrelling, but Mrs Vesey's tongue, he considered, was the fastest. He must say the doctor was not fair to Mrs Vesey • he would listen to Mrs Waugh's tale, but not to Mrs Vesey. After she had hung all day m the sun she was put into the dunegon below.

To Mr Hesketh : She was hung up like a sheep, or a bit of beef, and was insensible about six hours during the time. His opinion was the woman was barbarously and indecently ill-treated.

Alfred Reed, another passenger, deposed that he heard the woman scream out, "Oh doctor, what have I done to be served in this manner," when he saw her strug^line; as stated by last witness.

Julia Carr, a married woman, corroborated the statement of the last witness. Elizabeth Dyer deposed that on the 2nd of October she was ill in her compartment; that slie heard a row between Mrs Vesey and Mrs Waugh about a mess-towel, when Mrs Vesey said she would split Mrs Waugh's head open with the bucket. She also said she would settle Mrs Waugh. Elizabeth Dwyer, a married woman, gave evidence in corroboration of the two preceding witnesses, and stated that she heard Mrs Vesey use foul language, for which she was reprimanded by the captain and doctor. The further hearing of the case will be resumed on Saturday.

THIS DAY.

DRUNKENNESS,

Mary (a Maori), John O'Shea, and Mary Gunn, were charged with this offence. The first was fined 5s and costs. The second Who said he had been twelve years, in the

colony, and had never been bro^hTTTT' i fore was discharged with a caution^' third was a venerable old lady, who sn^ herself with a stick, pteadecfn^SjfS4 was very weak, and had stumbled J$ c going down some steps. "lle His Worship asked if anything was 1™ of the prisoner ? D s kno *n Mr Broham said she had been an ;„ of the Old Women's Refuge. ni°ate The prisoner here began to rattle nff whole string of accomplishments which a possessed She could wash a a *ellt± body in Auckland, which them as U y her coula testify to the same; and £T mangling there wasn't one as could tLu her at it and starching too, and someS she went a charing. "^iimes His Worship intimated to the pri 80ner that she was accused of being drunk The imputation was indignantly denied the old soul declaring she did not know the taste of liquor. tae His Worship said he thought that the only thing to be done was to get the poor creature back again to the Refuge. Mr Broham doubted if they would tato her after her behaviour. He would how ever, try to get her taken back. The prisoner was then discharged and caused roars of laughter by the way shl retired from the Court, continually bobbin* up and down and thanking his Worship and declaring till the door closed upon her'that she was a very good worker—that she was - which every one as knew her could Bay the' same.

LARCENY

Thomas Brown and Thomas Hynes were charged with the larceny of a coat, value 20s, the property of Richard Hughes, from the brigantine Ryno, on the 17th December

Mr Inspector Broham stated that there was no evidence against Brown, and he should ask for his discharge. There would be other charges against Hynes, and he would ?sk that the case be adjourned till Monday. His Worship complied with the Inspector's request, and discharged Brown. The charge against Hynes will be heard on Monday. This was all the business.