CITY POLICE COURT.

Evening Star, Issue 10152, 3 November 1896, Page 2

CITY POLICE COURT.

(Before Messrs J. B. Thomson and R. Wilson,

of Bond street, J.P.s.)

V.uiraxcy.— Ellen M'Leod alias Hornsby pleaded not guilty to having insufficient lawful means of support.—Sergeant O’Neill said that it was reported to the constable at Woodhaugli that a woman was living in the bush. The policeman made search, and this morning he and three other gentlemen found accused in the bush. She had no settled place of abode, and was known to the police. He (Sergeant O’Neill) would suggest that the woman be remanded for a week, and in the meantime sonic person might come to her assistance and find a home for her.—Remanded accordingly.

Ellen 'Finnii/cat was charged with drunkenness and with having insufficient means of support,—On the first charge accused was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment, and on the second to two mouths, the sentences to bo cumulative.

Prohibition Order.—Dire Gowie applied to have a prohibition order granted against her husband Hobcrt Gowie. —Defendant objected to the order being granted.—Mrs Gowie, in her evidence, said that she wished the order could be granted against the breweries, for whenever her husband was out of work he went to those places for beer.—The order was granted as prayed for. A similar order was granted against Edward Martin.

By-law Cases .—Gilbert UTse was charged with, on the 23rd October, trespassing on the railway line at Ravensbourne. Mr W. 0. MacGregor appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Sergeant O’Neill stated that at 1 45 p.m. on the date in question defendant was a passenger by the Port Chalmers train. He alighted on the railway platform at Ravensbourne, and passed immediately behind the carriages and crossed the line. The guard called out to him, but he took no notice, and continued on his way.—Evidence was given by Guard Doggie, Benjamin Lawson (stationmaster), and Constable Higgins. —Mr MacGregor said that the prosecution had not proved that the place where the defendant crossed was a railway defined by the Public Work; Act. Counsel pointed out that it might have been built by a private company. There was no evidence to show that it was a Government line, and on that ground alone he submitted that the case should be dismissed. Mr MacGregor also contended that it hud not been proved that the point at which the defendant crossed was not a railway crossing or at any other part at which the public were allowed access.— Defendant was fined os and costs. —Mr MacGregor said that he would ask their Worships to state a case for appeal. (Mr Wilson here left the Bench.)

William Begg was charged with riding a bicycle on a footpath in tho City of .Dunedin.—Mr Solomon appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.—Sergeant O’Neill stated that a constable found defendant riding a bioyle on a footpath at the Water of Leith.—Evidence was given by Constable Lynch.—Mr Solomon submitted that the mere riding of b bicycle on a footpath was not an offence. —To constitute an offence for a man to ride a bicycle on a footpath it must be the doing of it to the injury or danger or obstruction of persons on a footpath. The place in question was on a level with the road. It was a cinder track, and it was not stated that the defendant interfered with the passers-by. After further argument counsel suggested that as a question of law was involved the case might be adjourned till the 12th inst., when the point could be decided by the stipendiary magistrate.—This was agreed to, and the case adjurned accordingly. Cornelius Greaney (for whom Mr Sidey appeared) was fined'2s 6d for allowing a cow to wander at St. Kilda. For allowing four horses to wander ou the Town Belt William Ifi/scm was convicted and discharged.