RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. This Day. (Before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M.)

Evening Post, Volume XVI, Issue 112, 25 April 1878, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. This Day. (Before J. C. Crawford, Esq., R.M.)

DRUNK. William Benuett was fined 5s for being drunk and incapable. CHIMNEY ON FIRE. Michaei Sheehy was charged with neglecting to have his chimney cleaned, whereby the soot caught tire on Sunday morning. Defendant said he could not understand how the chimney caught fire, as there was no fire in the grate on Sunday. He had the chimney cleaned once a month. Sergeant Smith said the fire appeared to be in the cross at the top of the flue. The chimney appeared to be clean, but the cro<s-head had not been swept. Mr. Crawtord said that as Mr. Sheehy appeared to have taken all reasonable precautions to keep the chimney clean, he would dismiss the summon*. A NEGLECTFUL DRIVER. Thomas Oakes was fiucd Os for allowing his horse and express to s>taud iv the street unattended, and with the wheel unlocked. A LUNATIC AT LARGE. Stephen Alphas was charged with being a lunatic at large. Mr. R. S. Martin stated that during the last few days the prisoner had been continually about his father's premises, and repeatedly entered the house and took possessi n of any rooms which he fancied would suit him. Yesterday he walked in when the family were at tea, and wbhed to join them. Mr. Crawford— Who are you ? Prisoner— Stephen Alphas, of the Wairarapa ; three days in Wellington. Mr. Crawford— What were you doing at Mr. Martin's ? Prisoner (after a pause}— Well, your Worship, I admit that I have rather exceeded the Statute of Limitations, but not the promptings of instinct. Mr. Crawford— Who are you ? Prisoner — I am a man*, sir. Mr. Crawford— But what are you ? Prisoner— l do not follow any trade. Mr. Crawford— Oh, a laborer .' Prisoner (indignantly)— No, sir. When I work, I work at home to benefit myself, and not the public. Mr. Martin — He used to drive a coach. Prisoner — Permit me to say that you hare fallen into a common error. The prisoner then remanded for medical examination.