MAGISTERIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2128, 29 February 1908, Page 1

MAGISTERIAL.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28. Before Air AY. A. Barton, S.AI.) HOTEL EMPLOYES’ HOLIDAYS. The Inspector of Factories proceeded against J’. C. Elliott, Jiceiisco of tlie Alasonic Hotel, for failure to give four of his employes a weekly half-holiday on February 12.. Air Stock, who appeared for defendant, said that the offence was created by an Act of last session, and the present was tlie lirst prosecution under that Act. At tlie time' the offence was committed the hotel was full of visitors as a result of'the races then proceeding. ItMvas -ne l eessary to have all the servants on hind, especially in connection with the dining-room, and three of tlie assistants complained of, were cooks. They had a half-holiday the week previously to the offence and the week afterwards. The Inspector said defendant'had been notified in January that it was necessary to give a half holiday, and liis attention had been repeatedly drawn to the fact since. One of the assistants complained of was a barman, who, though he had the afternoon off, worked for two hours in the evening, thus making his half-holiday not a complete one. Tlie.iS.Al. said that in view of the Act being a recent one he would only inflict a penalty of 10s, with Yweostsr FA iLtJR'E' 'TO* CLEAR "\OXIO US IVEEDS. The Inspector of Noxious Weeds (Mr J. AY. Nolan) proceeded igainst Cluis. Alfred Foote for having allowed sweet.briar to grow on land occupied by him at Te Karaka. Defendant said that in September last lie did a lot of work, and he did not know that the clearing had to be done at a certain time of the year. Air Nolan said the Department did not press for a heavy penalty. It was necessary to prosecute somebody to bring home to land-holders that something must be done with noxious weeds. Defendant had neglected the bri ir on his property. He cut a small portion of it, and evidently thought that would satisfy tho Department. The S.AI. said tlie Act had been in force since 1900, so that everyone should know its provisions. A fine of £l, with costs £1 Ss, would bo imposed.

LOUSY SHEEP. Alfred Harding was charged with having .at Alatawhero. oil February 19th at Alatawhero exposed for sale sheep infected with lice.—The S.AI. said that during the recent drought there was some excuse for the offence, but if tho offences were now continued a larger penalty would have to be inflicted. John' It. Murphy was - similarly charged.—Air Stock, who appeared for defendant, said defendant had made quito sure before the sheep left his station that they were quite clean — they must have become infect, eel on the road to the saloyard.—A lino- of £l, with 7s costs, was imposed. ■ William G. Slier r ait was fined £l, with 7s costs, for a like offence. MAINTENANCE.

Julia Pound (Mr Stock) proceeded against John Pound, (Mr Blair), her husband, tor maintenance. .informant gave evidence that she had been married to respondent for about seven years. There were children by the first marriage, but none by the-later one.' Had received only £1 10s from respondent during the, past- year. .Respondent had been working off and on during the past year and was now in a permanent Job. During the year respondent had sri.von her a bag of flour, a bag of sugar and a tin of kerosene. —By Mr Blair: Knew that respondent was ill for two months. He was not very ill and could have worked. Knew respondent had been coming to see Dr Collins since August last- Did not know respondent was 70 year-sold. Until lately three of her sons lived with her. They werp all over 21 years of age.— Re-examined : Only one son was now at home paying for his board. Respondent gave evidence that he earned about.£l6 in October last, but owing to his leg being bad had lo leave his employ. iSaw a doctor about the leg ami was still under Ins care. The doctor advised him to have further treatment at Rotorua, but had not been able to save the noc-es-sirv money, owing to medical expenses. Since the beginning of the year his earnings averaged about £1 los per week. —.By 'Air Stock*. .Llio real reason for tile present action was not that be objected to informant’s son’s living with her. The S.M. said it appeared that respondent was not able to support inform Hit, and the information would bo dismissed, no costs being allowed.