MAGISTERIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10272, 14 February 1894, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday, Feb. 13. (Before Messrs G. Hart and H. Thomson. J.P.’s.) Drunkenness. —Two first offenders were each fined 5s and costs, in default twentyfour hours’ imprisonment. (Before Mr R. Bestham, R.M.) Civil Cases. —Moor and Co. v. W. T. Mitchell, claim *BS 15s, Mr Hunt for plaintiffs, for whom judgment was given by default with costs.—Prins and Ovenden v. T. H. Ranger, claim *B2 2s for professional attendance. Mr Harris for plaintiff, Mr Lane for defendant. Judgment was given for plaintiffs for the amount claimed ■with costs. RANGIORA. Tuesday, Fkb. 13. (Before Mr H. W. Bishop, R.M., and Messrs E. E. Good and A. Todd, J.P.’a.) Alleged Assault.— Robert Moffatt, on remand, was charged with having assaulted Thomas Hills. Constable Costin applied for a further remand. Hills being still unable to attend. Dr Clayton stated that Hills had improved in health to a considerable extent, but it would be prejudicial to his condition to bring him to court. His mind at present was tolerably clear respecting most things, but a blank in reference to matters connected with the case. Witness could not say when he would bo in a condition to appeal-. The Resident Magistrate said that, under the circumstances, a further remand for a week would bo granted. Mr Cathro, for accused, pointed out

hat hia client had been brought tto the court on four Tuesdays, and the case against him being a weak one, it was hard that his work should be interfered with. He (Mr Cathro) asked whether a temporary withdrawal of the proceedings could not be sfranged. , Tho Resident Magistrate replied that he would have no objection if tho police were agreeable. Constable Costin promised to refer the matter to Inspector Brobam.

Civil Oases.—B. ‘E, Good v. George Graham, claim £7 Os 9&d; judgment by default for tho amount claimed and costs. J. B. Downes v- Thomas Dench, claim *6lO 12a; judgment summons. Defendant agreed to pay *B2 next Tuesday, and the balance in weekly instalments of 10s payable every four weeks. Order made accordingly.

ASHBURTON. Tuesday, Feb. 13. (Before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P.) Drunkenness. —Thomas Mitchell was sent to gaol for seven days for drunkenness, the fourth offence within six months. TEMUKA. Tuesday, Feb. 18. (Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M.) Unregistered Dogs.— E. Williams, J. Stark, J. Watt and J. M’Bratoey Were each fined 5s for having unregistered dogs in their possession. Cases against Mrs Roddick and J. Morris ware dismissed. Civil Oases.— Judgment for plaintiff by default was given in J. Blyth v. J. Moody, claim *Bl7s 6d, and same v. Broderick, *Bl 19s—C. Brosnahaa v. W. Johnson. Mr Smithson, who appeared for the defence, stated that defendant had filed his schedule the previous day, and the case was struck out.—Official Assignee v. E. Brown, claim *B4 9s sd, or the return of certain ■ goods disposed of by a bankrupt, S. W. Powlesland, in liquidation of a debt two days before filing. Mr White for the Assignee, and Mr Salmond for plaintiff. The evidence in this case showed that the bankrupt was indebted to defendant in tho sum of *B4 9s sd, payment' for which had been frequently demanded. On Jan. 27 defendant applied for a settlement of hia account, and not getting it, arranged to take some chairs which he requix-ed, in lieu thereof. The bankrupt in his examination stated that he only gave the goods under pressure. He felt ho was acting unjustly to his other' creditors* ■ The defendant stated that he considered : bankrupt was not doing very well, but had no idea he was actually on the verge of bankruptcy. On Jan. 28 Powlesland was pressed for rent due, and after consultation with a friend decided to file, and did so on Jan. 29. The evidence in the main was admitted, but a lengthy argument ensued as to whether the action in question constituted an illegal preference. Mr Salmond contended that a surrender of goods under pressure did not do so. The act would have to be a voluntary one on the debtor’s part. Mr Whits argued that Mr Brown was cognisant of the debtor’s position and persuaded him to square the account prior to filing. His Worship took time to consider. Drunkenness.—A young man charged with helpless drunkenness, and who had bem under medical treatment, was diamiissd, a former employer expressing hia wiu.ugaesa to take charge of him until his health improved.