CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8484, 16 May 1893, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH.

Saturday, May 15. (Before R. Beetham, Esq., R.M., R. Weetenra, Esq., andCapt. Deighton, J.P.'s.) Drunkenness.—lsabella Leckie, for this offence, was Cued £3, or. in default, one month's imprisonment ; Annie McQuaid was fined 10s, or, in default, forty-eight hours' imprisonment; each with hard labour. Wife Desertion.—Patrick Connor was charged with this offence. Bridget Connor, for whom Mr McConnel appeared, etated that she and prisoner had been married nine years. Living principally in the North Island, he had twice deserted her there. Having induced her to again receive him they came to Sydenham, where he once more left her on October 31st last in a house with nothing but a chaif bed, one blanket and a billy, and £1 2s in money. Being unable to pay rent, she had to quit, and with iier son seven years old found work charing at Is per day. Five weeks ago she was contined of twins, and since then had been supported by the Charitable Aid department. She was now, on account of her infants, unable to go out to work. She heard nothing from her husband since he left her. A warrant was issued in February for his arrest, and a clue to his whereabouts being found by his having sent to Mra Stewart, pawnbroker, to redeem a watch he had pawned, he was arrested at Lyndon Station, where ho was working. The prisoner in defeuce said that when he got a steady job, at 25s per week, he came' to town and looked for his wife but could not find her; he had earned a few pounds now, but could not say how much. He was willing to "take his wife back" aud do the best he could for her. The woman, on being asked by the Bench emphatically protested against again living with the prisoner. Mr Beetham eivid the prisouer bad been guilty of the most heartless conduct and it was not the first time. He would be ordered to pay 15s per week to bis wife and would be punished besides by being imprisoned for three months) with hard labour. The Bum ot £2 found on him was ordered to bo paid to his wife. Probation.—The youth Francis Chianall, convicted on Friday of having stolen a saddle and bridle, was brought up for sentence. The report of the Probation Officer being favourable he was convicted and released on three mouths' probation.

; Monday,' May 15. . (Before R. Beetham, Esq., R.M.)

Reduction of Maintenance Order. — Francis Pobar applied for the reduction or cancellation of the order compelling him to pay £1 a week for the support of Margaret Pobar, bis wife. Mr Byrne appeared for the husband and Mr Donnelly for the wife. The case had been adjourned from last week, and after hearing further evidence the Magistrate reduced the order to 15s a week.

Civil Cases.—Judgments went for plaintiffs by default, with costs, in Hanine? v Fraser, £100, and Craig v Waring, £4 3s lid. Adjournments were made as follows:— Slater v Nicoll, Mason, Struthers and Co. v Millard, and Rout v Hodges, till May 22nd; Brinkmau and Skelton v Hannigan till May 29th. /

(Before W. Esq., J. P.)

Drunkenness.--For this offence Robert Dale and a first offender were each fined 5n or twenty-four hours' imprisonment.