CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9991, 22 March 1898, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

Saturday, March 19. (Before W. H. Hargreaves and J. M. Thompson, J.P.'s.) Drunkenness.—For this offence, Charles Morgan and Maggie Griffin were fined 10d each, or, in default, forty-eight hours' imprisonment. Larceny James Wright was charged with stealing a £l-note from William Gilbert. The evidence was that on March 12th the accused snatched the note from the prosecutor while they were standing talking in a bar-room. He was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment with hard labour. Alleged Labceny.—Samuel Cousins was charged with stealing from Jonathan Brooker a watch valued at £1 ss. On the application of the police he was remanded till March 25th.

Monday, Maroh 21.

(Before J. Palmer and G. Payling, Esqs., J.P.s). Drunkknnbss.—Three first offenders were fined 5s each for drunkenness. James Wilson who did not appear, was fined 10s and costs. Alleged Issuing Valueless Cheqtjk.— Patrick Reed was charged with obtaining, by means of valueless cheques £4 17s from the Bank of Australasia, and £4 19s from Timothy Oronin, of Waimate. The case was remanded to Waimate.

Theft. — Thomas Sutton was charged with stealing 71b of horsehair, of the value of 7s, the property of John Snell. Accused, for whom Mr Beattie appeared, pleaded " Not Guilty." John Snell gave evidence as to missing a quantity of horsehair, and finding some 71b or 81b in the accused's cart in a bag. He identified the hair by a ticket bearing the yardman's signature, found in the bag, by the string used in tying up the bundles, and by the manner in which the bundles were tied. Evidence in corroboration of Mr Snell's statements was given by two other witnesses. Accused stated that he had bought some of the hair for 33, and had some given to him. W. Killday gave evidence that last Saturday week he had given the accused some horse-hair off a dead horse. Accused was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment with hard labour. (Before W. H. Cooper and James Gapes, Esqs., J.P.'s.) Civil Cases.—Judgment went for plaintiffs by default, with costs, in—Boardman v Davis, £18 4s 6d; Thompson v Scully, £3 2* 2d ; Parker v Brown, £1 9s lid; Langdown and Co. v Holdway and Bradley, £13 10s 8d ; Parsons v Trevella, 2 ; Ballantyne v Blyth, £1 3s 6d; and Bvrne v Parker, £1 4s. Curlett v Hendronj claim £10 as damages for trespass and injury done to a fence. Mr Bruges for the plaintiff, Mr Loughnan for the defendant, who, having leased a section of. land to the plaintiff, proceeded to regain possession by repeatedly breaking down a fence and placing loads of brick to the annoyance and danger of the plaintiff. The defendant pleaded that in his proceedings he considered he was within his rights. Judgment was for the plaintiff for £5, with costs £3 3a. (Before R. Beetham, Esq., S.M.) Civil Cases.—Matthews v Matheson, claim £25 as damages for alleged trespass and illegal distraint. Mr Kippenberger for the plaintiff, Mr Swarm for the defendant. After hearing long evidence, his Worship said the plaintiff had not established her claim and non-suited her; costs were not allowed. Box v Bauaton was adjourned till March 28th.