LYTTELTON.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2629, 9 January 1874, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

Tuesday, January 6. (Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M.) EMBEZZLEMENT OF CARGO. Frank Pierce, Charles Ellis, and Henry Mellish,' A.B's, were charged with this offence on board the ship Star of India. From the evidence of the captain and first officer it appeared that there had been several cases of drunkenness during the first part of the voyage of the ship from London which created suspicion. Upon a search being made in the hold it waa found that a passage had been made to where the-spirits were stowed.

An emigrant of the name of Goring was called, and stated that Mellish and Ellis had given him pale brandy, and also that he had seen Mellish come out of the hold with a case something like a brandy case. He (witness) had seen Pierce cfcymk several times, but had never seen him with any spirits. The Bench said there was little doubt as to the guilt of Ellis and Mellish, and they would be sentenced to twelve weeks' imprisonment each. Pierce would be sent on board again. ASSAULT. Kelly v Merton, first officer of brig Isabella. From the evidence of the complainant, who is an engine-driver on the wharf, it appeared that the complainant and defendant had some disturbance about filling a truck. The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence, and was fined 10s and 5s costs. crviL CASES. Hammond v. Bailey.—Claim, £2 6s Bd, for some hams. Mr Nalder for plaintiff. The Bench gave judgment for plaintiff, whom he ordered to pay his own costs. Hammond v. Messiter.—Claim, 12s 6d. Mr Nalder for plaintiff. The plaintiff stated that he had been engaged by Messiter to take a drill gun from the Lyttelton station to Battery Point on the 16th of December last. He (witness) went to the railway station and waited for an hour and a half, but the gun did not come. He now claimed the sum of 10s, as per agreement, and 2s 6d which he had given to the defendant as security of his fulfilling his agreement. Judgment for full amount, and costs 9s. professional fee, £1 ls. Davidson v. Bailey.—Claim, £12 Os 6d. Mr Nalder appeared for tbe plaintiff. The defendant pleaded a set-off amounting to £9 9s. After several witnesses were- examined, the Court adjourned the case until the 7th inst.

Wednesday, January 7. [Before William Donald, Esq., R.M.] CIVIL CASES.

Davidson v. Bailey, adjourned case.— Several witnesses were called by Mr Bailey, and the Bench gave judgment for the plaintiff for £1 16a fid ; Court costs, £1 4s ; professional fee, £1 ls; witnesses' expenses, 2s 6d.