CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume XXX, Issue 4094, 10 September 1878, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

Monday, Sbptembbb 9. [Before G. L. Lee and P. E. Wright, Esqrs., J.P.'s] Vagbanoy.—Frederickßenchand Margaret Bowen were charged with having no lawful visible means of support. The second de-

fendant was charged also with using obscene language. Constable Brooks deposed that Bowen was the owner of a house of ill-fame in Fifth street, Waltham. The other defendant was a loafer, whose wife lived a disreputable life. The witness described the house in Fifth street as one in which the most disgraceful scenes were frequently to be witnessed. Corroborative evidence was given by residents in the neighborhood. Along Hat of previous convictions was handed to the Bench by Inspector Hickson. Detective Benjamin also deposed that both defendants were well known as people of the worst class of vagrants. They were sent to gaol, the woman for three months, and the man for one month.

liAßCKtrr.—James Pope,™who had "been arrested on a warrant, was charged with stealing a coat, valued at 305., the property of P. Johnson, also a compass, a pair of gloves, and a cap. Philip Johnson, farTer, lately living at Q-ebbie's Valley, deposed—l had a sale of stock and goods at my house oh Friday last. After the sale I missed a great coat, in which were a compass, a cap, and a pair of gloves. The coat had been taken from the cheese room, which had a lock and key to the door. I last saw the coat at about four o'clock. I authorised no one to take it. The value of the articles was about 48s. I accompanied Con- j stable Dance to prisoner's house yesterday. Prisoner lives at the head, of Governor's Bay. We found the articles produced, which I identify as my property. Prisoner was at my place on Friday. I am not aware that he made any purchases. Constable Dance deposed that, having received a search warrant, he searched prisoner's house on Saturday. Witness told prisoner what he was looking for, and the latter said there was no need to search, as he (prisoner) had them all, and had. .taken them thinking they had been thrown away as of no value. Defendant said, in his defence, that he had taken the coat thinking it of no value. On searching the pockets, he found the other articles, and at once took them to prosecutor's house. Prosecutor was not at home, and he (defendant) intended to bring them to the police. He knew he had done wrong, and was very sorry. Prosecutor was recalled, and said that prisoner did not bear a good character. He (prosecutor) did not wish to press the charge against prisoner, who had a wife and family. The Bench sentenced -prisoner to impiitonment for one month with hard labour.