RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, WEST TAIERI.

Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 304, 23 February 1870, Page 5

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT, WEST TAIERI.

{Before Mr James Fulton, R.M.) Monday, Feb. 14, 1870. . Jolin Smith, farmer. North Taieri, was indicted, on the information of Charles Smith, ■sailor, Dunedin, with having on the 2nd inst. permitted to be sold at his premises one glass of whisky, without being duly licensed to do so. Mr Ward, solicitor, Dunedin, appeared oh behalf of defendant. The prosecutor, after giving his evidence nffirming the indictment, called three witnesses, two of whom corroborated the plaintiff's evidence ; but the third, Campbell, farmer, North Taieri, swore distinctly to the ■contrary. The evidence of this witness was taken down in writing. * Another important witness who had not been summoned but liad been seen in- thp neighborhood, was then <salled. The constable said he would be able to produce him in half-an-hour, and the court was adjourned' until 1 o'clock. At the re-opening of the ' court, the constable produced Hugh Morrison, blacksmith, West Taieri, who on being sworn confirmed the evidence of the plaintiff and his two first witnesses.; • Mr Ward addressed the court at some length, and contended that as the evidence was point 'blank contradictory, the charge must fair to the ground and the case be dismissed. '-"•••; — His Worship said the case had been fully proved, but instead of inflicting the full penalty of £50, he thought that a fine of £20 would, meet the case. Fined £20. and «03ts. His Worship then said he would lav the evidence of the witness, Campbell, before the crown prosecutor, to act upon as he thought fit. He himself had no doubt in his mind thai; the witness had sworn falsely. Mr Ward gave formal notice of appeal. i The court then adjourned.