MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2986, 6 August 1870, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

CHRISTCHURCH. Friday, August 5. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) Drunkenness. —Robert Walker, on hail, admitted having been drank and incapable, bat being his first offence, he was only fined ss. Fighting in a Public Thoroughfare.— Thomas McKay was charged with having assaulted J. Dal wood, a brother cabman, in front of the City Hotel, yesterday, within view of the police. It appeared that the two had quarrelled on the stand, when McKay challenged Dalwood to fight. This was declined by Dalwood, who said he was no fighting man. McKay then struck him. Dalwood thereupon gave him into the custody of constable Mciuire; hut as he did not now appear to prosecute, the charge was dismissed, his Worship remarking, however, that it was highly reprehensible to give a man iu charge for an assault, and then not appear to prosecute him.

Vagrancy. —John Patrick, James Smith, ■nil .Tames West, in the custody of Constable Armfleid, were brought up under the Vagrant Act, charged with having misconducted themselves at White’s Hotel, Coal Track, yesterday. From the evidence of the constable and George*Bonner, the prisoners were shown to have gone to the hotel, where, by stating that they had no money, they were gratuitously supplied with tea and a shake-down each on Wednesday night,and breakfast next morning. On the Wednesday night they procured drinks from persons calling at the house, until one •of (hem got Somewhat intoxicated. In the smommg they continued this; and still more objectionable conduct, refusing: point-blank to leave the honse when ordered to do so. They were then given into custody, and brought to town. Patrick, having previously been twice convicted for drunkenness and indecent conduct, was ordered to be imprisoned Rt hard labour for a fortnight, and the otheis were final 10s each. CIVIL CASES. City Council v. B. Steward, £2 10s ; Sheppard and Co. v. De Troy, £3. 2s 8d ; J. F. Spinks v. M'Kercher, £4. Judgment for plaintiffs, with costs.