CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7771, 27 January 1891, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

Monday, January 28.

(Before R. Westenra, Esq., J.P., and M. Harris, ISsqs., J.P.

Drunkenness. —Robert Dunn acknowledged having been drunk la Oxford terrace on the preceding Saturday, and was fined 40s, in default seven days* imprisonment. Firing Gorse.—William Henry Davis, a boy of seventeen years of age, was charged with having on January 24th, wilfully set fire to a gorse hedge, value £9, belonging to B. P. Manhire, of Addlngtoa. Accused said that when passing the hedge he' struck a match to light a cigarette, and threw the match down. He supposed the match kept alight and fired the fence. A lad,youuger than accused, living in Selwyn street, gave evidence as to seeing Davis strike a match on his trousers and then throw it into the hedge, which took fire. He saw no cigarette in Davis's hand. Another lad who was with accused, made one of a party of eight, who were returning home from the hills. He gave similar evidence, and added that they ran when they saw the gorse light, and Davis said, " I wish I had put that match out; I did not know it was alight." In cross-examination by accused's father, the witness denied having said that Davis lit a cigarette. A third boy stated that Davis did light a cigarette piece before he threw the match down. The prosecutor said that the damage done to the fencing (six to eight chains) and to half to three-quarters of an acre of grass was from £8 to £9. The accused repeated his statement on oath. Other evidence was given, after which the Bench dismissed the case, there being nothing to prove that the lad had wilfully set fire to the gorse.

(Before Messrs R. Westenra, F. J.Klmbell,

and H. J. Hall, J.P.'s.) Assault.—WilliamThomas wascharged with assaulting his wife, Ettza Thomas,

and using threatening language towards her. The assault was proved, and a fine of 5s inflicted. Crvn. Casks.—Burrows v Stokes, claim 15s 6d; the amount had been paid, and judgment was given for 4s fid costs. Fletcher v Harte was adjourned till February 2nd. In Jackson v Bench, claim 17s 2d, and Lane v Gray, claim £10 10s, judgment went for plaintiffs by default.