MAGISTERIAL.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10270, 13 February 1899, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

♦ CHRISTCHUROH. Saturday, February 11. (Before R. Beetliam, Esq., S.M.) Drunkenness. —For this offence Reuben White was fined 10s, or, in default, fortyeight hours' imprisonment. Larceny.—George Henry Greydon, fourteen years, was charged witn having stolen from five separate houses in the suburbs money hi trifling sums and articles of small value, amounting in all to 13s 6d. Sergeant-Major Ramsay said this boy had been sent from Auckland to Burnham, about a year ago. Though a small boy, he was of a determined character, he Ijoasted that Burnham could not hold him, and it really seemed like it, for he had escaped several times. Mr Beetham said the only thing he could do would bo to return him to the institution. The Court would like, but had not the power, to order a whipping. The boy was convicted and ordered to be sent back to Burnham with a recommendation to the authorities to exercise their right and give him a whipping. Attempted Suicide.—Ethel Bright, domestic servant, a young woman, was charged with having, on January 31st, attempted to commit suicide by taking poison. Ser-geant-Major Ramsay said the young woman was found in the kitchen of the house where she was in service, apparently suffering great pain. She confessed she .had taken spirits of salt (muriatic acid). Doctors were called in, and the proper measures taken. Tne girl had been in the hospital for some time, but had now about recovered. The police were aware that she had got some drapery in the name of a former mistress, and the knowledge that enquiries were being made frightened her into a state of excitement in which she had tried to do away with herself. In answer to Mr Beetham, the girl admitted that this was true. He pointed out to her the folly of her conduct, and after a few kindly words, of advice, discharged her wjth a caution, handing her over to her mother, who promised to take care of her. Maintenance.—Robert Currie was ordered to pay his wife 3s 6d. per week towards the maintenance of their child.