MAGISTERIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2702, 5 December 1882, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday, December 5. [Before J. Ollivier, Esq., R.M.]

Drunkenness. —John W. Ablett, against whom there is out a prohibition order, was fined £l. Mary Ann Needham, who appeared in a bad state, was sent to gaol for one week to undergo medical treatment. For a first offence a man was fined ss. Stray Cattle. —For allowing cattle to wander, Michael Harrigan was fined 10s and Joseph Cox ss. Damaging a Fire-Alarm Box.—Sam. Grindrod was charged with having broken the glass in fire-box No. 19, thus damaging property of the City Council valued at 6d. J. Oppenheimer deposed that about halfpast twelve the previous night he was returning home, when the firebell rang. Immediately afterwards he saw the accused, who appeared in an excited state, saying that a false alarm had already been given, and now that there really was a fire the brigade was not turning out. He then ran to the alarm box at the corner of Manchester and Lichfield streets and gave the alarm. Witness had advised accused not to break the glass, as there was no appearance of a fire. Accused, in defence, said that he heard the firebell at the station, and was under the impression that in every alarm of fire the bell* in all the fire-boxes rang in response. He listened for the sound of the bell at the nearest box, and, not hearing it, concluded that the alarm had not been efficacious, and thought it was his duty to perfect it. He therefore smashed the glass and pulled the handle. In doing so he had no intention to give a false alarm, and ho had not concealed his purpose from Oppenheimer or another witness, whom he called, and who corroborated his statement. His Worship said there were mitigating circumstances in the case, but accused had caused great trouble and expense; he should have listened to the advice he got from Oppenheimer. He would be fined in the nominal penalty of £l. Other similar offenders would be treated more severely.