THE COURTS-TODAY

Evening Star, Issue 16560, 20 October 1917, Page 9

THE COURTS-TODAY

CITY POLICE COtSRT. (Before-J. E. Bartholomew, Esq., S.M.) Drunkenness.—Two first offenders, who did .not appear, were fined each 20s, in default 48 hours' imprisonment.—A third, who answered the charge, was fined 10s, with the same alternative.—Thomas Joyce, an old man, pleaded not guilty. Constable' Fallon said the man was drunk and lying on the footpath. He was fined 10s, in default 48 hours 'imprisonment. Truancy.—Annie Preston was charged on two informations with failing to send children to school. Defendant claimed that the children were sick with influenza, and the girl was very delicaje. The facts had been placed before the teacher. The Magistrate adjourned the matter to next Saturday; in order that the teacher may be heard.—John Mayne was similarlycharged. Mr Scurr, who appeared to say a few words for Mrs Mayne, said that her husband was an invalid, and she had to be out of the house working all day. Any fine would fall upon the woman's shoulders. The Magistrate said he would adjourn the case until December 15, and if the child attended regularly up to that date no fine would be imposed.

MAGISTRATE'S COURT. (Before J. R. Bartholomew, Esq., S.M.) nr A o D x""£ en Blunder—Henry Johnston % V n £■ f ol,rr) v -. A "S" 3 Pollock. Claim, ±.7 4s 6d, damage inflicted on a motor car through defendant's negligent driving.— Henry Johnston, motor car proprietor, said that cm the 18th he was engaged by Mr i. Scurr to go to Mosgiel. On the return journey they saw a man in a cart, who appeared to be drunk. Witness pulled the motor right into the gutter to avoid him, but this man pulled on the wrong rein, and collided with him. The man (Pollock) was yesterday convicted in the Police Court of being drunk while in charge of a vehicle.—John ffm. Scurr, who sold the car to Johnston, assessed the damage afc the sum claimed.—There was no appearance of defendant, and judgment was given against him for the sum claimed with costs (£2 Cs 6d).