MAGISTERIAL.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6027, 9 January 1885, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHEISTCHTJECH. Thursday, January 8. [Before B. Beetham, 8.M., and P. J. Kimbell, J.P., Esqrs.] Drunkenness. —Thomas Dierson, a lad aged IS years, for getting drunk and using obscene language in a public place at Woolfiton, was fined 5e for the first-named offence, and for the other was ordered to be imprisoned for twelve hours. Neglectbd Children.—Catherine (11), George (9), and Hubert (8) Broderick were brought up charged as above. It appeared that their father was in gaol as a vagrant, and their mother was unable to support them. They were ordered to be sent for the usual terms to the Soman Catholic Charitable Institution at Nelson.

Alleged Cruelty to Animals.—Alexander Urquhart was charged with illtreating a dog. Mr Joyce appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals. Mr Malet for the defence. J. B. Hopkins deposed that on November 28th he saw the dog produced; it was tied np near a fence on Mr Brabazon's ran in the Waimakariri river-bed, "about a mile from the Miners' Arms. It was mangy, and in very poor condition ; its kennel was without a roof, and was, •moreover, beyond its reach, 'there was neither food nor water for it, and it seemed to be suffering from thirst. Witness had seen the dog three days before, when it was in the same condition. On both occasions he gave it food, which it ate ravenously. Some other similar evidence was offered as to the dog on other dates, but the Bench rejected it as not bearing on this particular information. The defendant on being put in the box, swore that the dog had always been properly fed and watered. It had been first placed at the boundary fence to keep the sheep back on November 10th or 11th. Shortly afterwards it was troubled with, mange, which, caused it to become rather poor and look bad. It had, however, recovered, and was now, as the Court could see, in very good condition. Mr Malet was about to call three other witnesses to prove that the dog had never been neglected, but «as stopped by the Magistrate, who said there was not sufficient evidence to bear out the information. The case was dismissed. Mr Malet applied for costs, but did not succeed, as the prosecution was instituted by the police. Mr Beetham recommended that more care in future should be taken to secure sufficient evidence before commencing eimilar proceedings. A Bailiff's Troubles.—B. Lowenstern and P. Buland were charged with having assaulted William Gosnell, an assistant bailiff, while in the execution ef his duty. The same persons were also charged with having rescued a certain chattel from Gosnell, who had possession under distress warrant. MrMcConnel appeared for the plaintiff, Mr Weston for the defendants. It appeared from the evidence of four witnesses that on December 27th the defendants, who are employes of the firm of Hallenstein Bros, went to a house in Sandridge to reclaim a sewing machine which ha J been let out on hire. On arriving at the house, Gosnell, who had been in possession under distress warrant for the previous four days, told Lowenstern that he would not allow the machine to be removed, and produced his warrant. Some words ensued, and Lowenstern knocked Gosnell down three times, and finallly held him down till Buland took out the machine. Gosnell was then released. He followed Buland, and tried to get back the machine. A struggle took place, and Buland knocked Gosnell down twice aad struck him in the face, which was cut, and blackened one of his eyes. In defence it was pleaded that Gosnell neglected to show his warrant, and provoked the assaults, which, however,-were of a much less violent character than sworn to by the witnesses for the prosecution. As to .the rescue, the defendants pleaded that they were ignorant of the law in the case. They were fined each £5 for the assault, half the amount to go to Gosnell as a solatium for his [injuries. They were also fined JEI each for the rescue, and were further ordered to pay £2 2s solicitor's fee, expenses of witness, and the other costs of the Court.

Miscellaneous.—B. Horrex was fined 6s for depositing decayed fish on the Canal Beserve on December 13th.—Several informations for evasion of the dog tax were struck out as being informal.—Orlando and William Goodall were ordered to pay 6s each per week towards the support of their mother, Emma Goodall.—Allan, Anderson, Louise, and Adelaide Adams were ordered to pay between them 153 per week towards the support of their mother, Catherine.— Amos Clegg and Wm. Tates were fined each Is, with costs 7s, for furious riding at Woolsten. —W. Stevenson was fined .£4 for tethering his horse (two informations) on Dunn's road and Lincoln road, on Dec. 17th and 18th.