MAGISTERIAL.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9520, 12 September 1896, Page 4

MAGISTERIAL.

Friday, Skptkmii*!r 11. (Before A. Ayers, W. I. Balliiigcr and J. C. Atkinson, Esqs., J.P.s.) Druxken*xks.s.—For this offence, a man, a first offender, was lined ss, or in default twenty-four hours' imprisonment. Fii'jiiTfxu, &c. — Alfred Graham and Henry Grainger, young men, were charged with fighting and using obscene language. They were found by two policemen at midnight near the corner of Tuam and Madras streets engaged in a fight, during which the bad language complained of was used. The accused admitted having had a bit of a row, but denied using the bad language. They were fined each £-1, or in default forty-eight hours' imprisonment for fighting, and for the other offence were convicted and discharged. Charoe Withdrawn.—Annie Taylor and Emma Watson were charged with unlawfully depriving Alice Bowen of the custody of Jane Watson, a ehildof whom she was the guardian. Mr Donnelly appeared for the prosocution, Mr Fiesher for the defence. Mr Donnelly said the child had been taken away some time ago by the accused, who were committed for trial for the offence, but having pleaded that they believed they had a right to take the child, they were acquitted. Mr Justice Denniston, when discharging them, pointed out that they had no right to interfere with the child. " Immediately afterwards an application was made for her by Mrs Bowen, but she had been still detained, and tho present proceedings were taken. Since then— within, three or four days—the child had been handed over, and was now with Mrs Bowen. Mr Donnelly added that he did not admit that this tardy recognition of their error absolved the accused from the consequences of their illegal action, but the prosecutrix was not vindictive, and, her object being attained, she now asked permission to withdraw the charge. Mr Fiesher said he wished to impress on the Bench that the accused, one of whom was the child's stepmother, believed that they were within the law, and that they were acting in the best interests of the child. The charge was allowed to be withdrawn.

Alleged Vacrancy.—Jessie Edwards, alias McEwan, alios Hardy, who was proved to have insufficient lawful means of support, was convicted, and ordered to clear out of town in twenty-four hours, or in default to be imprisoned for three months, with hard labour.

An Incorrigible.— Wm. Warner, therecord of whose convictions covers a sheet of foolscap, pleaded , guilty to having stolen articles of clothing, &c., valued at Bs, the property of Mrs Ballin. SergoantMajor Mason said this man was no sooner out of gaol than he was in again. The present was a purposeless theft, except perhaps it was done to get back to gaol. After stealing the things he immediately gave them away. He was utterly destitute, and in a very bad state of health. He was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.