MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13336, 30 January 1909, Page 4

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

i . • Messrs N. K. Bowden. and J. Forrester, J.P.s, presided at tho Magistrate's Court yesterday. Three first offenders were each fined o_ and costs, in default twenty-four hours' imprisonment, for drunkenness. George _J.ulllns was remanded till today on a charge of having obtained liquor during the currency of a prohibition order. Bail was allowed in one surety of £5. David Fernleigh was fined 20s and costs for obstructing Constable Osborne in the execution of his duty. Tho constable was arresting a man who was tho worse for liquor, and was interfered with by the accused. M. Jones, W. Fisher, and Henry Fisher were each fined os and costs for cycling on footpaths, and C. Bingham and A. Jennings, for cycling at night without lights on their machines, were each fined 10s and costs. Samuel Montief was fined 10s and costs for having lefo -a. horse and trap unattended on a public road. Marion de Weston charged Eliza McCormack witli stealing a gold pencil with ring on top, a greenstone brooch, a gold ring, a black enamel brooch with pin in centre, a gold sleeve link, a round pie* dish 'flowered), an enamelled pie dish, an oval-shaped meat dish (blue-rimmed), and a white plate. After hearing the evidence of complainant, a witness, and defendant, the Bench dismissed the case. ALLEGED BREAKING AND ENTERING. Stephen Golding was charged with having broken and entered the dwelling of Harold Purchas, vicar of St. John's Church, on or about tho 15th inst., and having stolen two brooches, one watch, two chains, two rings, one pair of trousers, and three silk blouses, of a total value of £20. The complainant stated that he and his wife left their house securely locked up on January sth. On returning from their holiday on January 22nd they found that tho glass of tho front door had been broken, and the door unlocked. The. articles mentioned in the information were missing. Evidence was given to show that the accused had disposed of somo of tho articles, which wero afterwards recovered. When the accused was arrested he was wearing tho shirt ar.d trousers which had been stolen from the vicarage. Tlie thief had evidently occupied the vicarage for a few days, as several of tho beds had been slept in. The accused, who indicated that his defenco would be that he bought tlie articles from another person, and did not then know that they had been stolen, pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial at tho next sittings of the Supreme Court. LYTTELTON. At tho Lyttelton Magistrate's Court yesterday, beforo Messrs G. A. Lewin, J.P., and G. C. Smith, J.P., Mark Picton, the steward of the steamer Komata, was charged with being about to leavo Lyttelton without making provision for his unborn illegitimate child. Mr Hoban appeared for the accused, who was remanded to appear beforo the Magistrate on Wednesday nest.