MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 June 1925, Page 2

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

TO-DAY’S PROCEEDINGS

Ther,e was a light ‘‘list” at the Grey mouth Magistrate’s Court to-day. Mr. W. ’ Meldrum, S.M., presided, and the police were .’represented by Sergeant 11. Fryer. Two first offending “drunks” were convicted and fined the amount of their bail (5/- each). Ernest Cressey, charged with driving a horse and cart along Bright Street, Cobden, on June 5, without a light, after sunset, was convicted and fined 5/- with costs. Evidence was given on behalf of the Cobden Town Board .by Traffic Inspector Cochrane, ABUSIVE LANGUAGE . Thomas Skiltqn, miner, of Roa, was charged with using abusive language to John Ralph Taylor, underyiewer, at the Paparoa Mine, on June IS, contrary to No. 57 of the special rules set out-in the second schedule of the Coal Mines Act, 1908. The information was laid by Alphonsus O'Donnell, mine manager.

Mr. W.. J. Joyce pleaded guilty on behalf of defendant.. He stated that, the trouble at the mine had now been settled. The word used was very common amongst miners, and “hardly hurt the feelings of anybody.” He asked that a light penalty be imposed. . Mr. J. W. Hannan, who appeared for the informant, said that a trucker had refused to carry out the orders of a deputy, and had consequently been sent home. As he was leaving , the mine, an argument arose,,., and the words complained of were used. It was. necessary that discipline should be maintained at the mine. However, a heavy penalty was pot pressed for. There was' -the question of costs. Thrqe witnesses had attended Court. One of the three, who had been brought from Christchurch, claimed expenses. .

- . The Magistrate said that owing to the heaviness of the costs, he would not inflict a fine. Defendant would be convicted and ordered to pay: costs as follows: Court, 19/-, witness’s expenses, £2/10/-; solicitor’s fee, £2 2/-; total, £5/11/-, MAINTENANCE CLAIMS. John Smith, of Rewanui, was charged with disobedience of a maintenance order in respect of his wife, Julia Maria Smith,. The order was made on. October 1, 1923', for the payment of , 30/- per week. The amount of arrears was £l6/10/-. Mr. W. J. Joyce appeared for plaintiff, and stated that since May a payment of £2/IQZ- had been made. The balance

as £l4, and he asked for an order for the payment of the arrears at 5/per week; also costs. This was granted, a fortnight being allowed in which to pay costs. '■ Defendant doubted his ability to pay £l/15/- per week, but was advised by the Magistrate to do his best., He could apply for a variation of the order, if necessary. On behalf of Alice Ellen Sarah Green / (formerly Cressey) Mr. Joyce proceeded against S. C. Moss, of Napier, of £33, arrears on a maintenance order of 7/6 per week made at Greymouth on March 10, 1914, -in respect of an-illegitimate child.

Mr. Joyce said he understood defendant was now married.

The-Magistrate said that defendant had .written' to the Court, explaining that he wps now married, with four children. He offered to pay 2/6 per week.

An order was made for payment of the arrears at 2/6. per week, in addition to the original order, in default, one month’s imprisonment.

Evidence of the defendant was taken in an application for a maintenance order made by James Keeney, at Rotorua, against his wife, Ellen Keeney, of Cobden.- In his evidence at Rotorua, plaintiff stated that he was a destitute person and that his wife was able to contribute towards his maintenance.

Mr. G. A. Revell appeared on behalf of the plaintiff, and conducted a lengthy cross-examination. Defendant, who was represented by Mr. Joyce, ascribed her - husband’s position to his drinking hpbits, and said that she had not communicated with him for over 10 years. She could make no offer. After - paying, all expenses, the profit from her farm at North Beach last year was less than £lOO.

The hearing will be completed at Rotorua on July 20.