MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17095, 18 February 1916, Page 5

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

CHRISTCHURCH. Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., presided at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Charles Macdonald, a third offender, was lined 20s, in default seven days’ imprisonment, on a charge of drunkenness. Charles Hagbertson, a third offender, was fined 10s, in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment, on ,a charge of drunkenness. Charles Alfred Walker, aged sixteen, was charged with the theft- _of £2O. the property of his father, William Thomas Walker,, at New Brighton. between September J and February 2 last Accused pleaded 1 guilty, and said he spent the money on clothing and other things; ChiefDetective Herbert said that accused was working for his father, who had a milk-run. There was a dispute between Walker and his sons, because Walker paid them no wages for working for him. Accused had an erroneous idea, that as he got no wages lie could take the money. Accused's father denied that the boy was working for him. Asked if he was determined to prosecute, he said he did not want the Magistrate to be hard on the boy. The Magistrate asked if tho witness wanted an order made for ilia repayment of the money. Witness indicated that he did not require that. Chief-Detective Herbert said that the hoy would be better out ov New Brighton. He was not a bad boy. but he had fallen into bad company. An elder brother of accused offered to give the boy work. Constable Lopdell. of New Brighton, said the boy's home was an uninviting one. His mother was dead. The Magistrate admitted accused to probation for six months, and severely admonished him against, further lapses into dishonesty. Charles Parker (Mr A. T. Donnelly) claimed front ,T. T. Doherty (Mr Thomas) £i3 IGs 6d as damages in respect of a collision between plaintiff s cab and a motor-erfr driven by defendant. It was stated that the only matter at issue was the amount of damages. The plaintiff gave evidence in support of his claim. In cross-examin-ation, he, admitted that he ran tho cab for hive for a fortnight after the accident before repairs were effected. William Boon. coaehbuiidor, gave evicTenee regarding the cost of repairing plaintiff’s cab after the collision. His account amounted to £4 IDs t>d, including cost of revnr.nishing. When the cab was received by him it was in a condition in which it, should not have been used for plying for hire. The defendant gave evidence that he had offered £3, which was three times as much as the amount of actual damage done. Plaintiff subsequently claimed £6 IGs 6d. and now sued for £7 more. Arthur Collins gave evidence in corroboration of defendant’s estimate of the damage. Judgment was given for plaintiff for £C> and costs. Mary Jane Watson (Mr Alpers) claimed front Fred Hern (Mr M. Donnelly) £SO by way of damages in respect of a slanderous statement made by defendant regarding the plaintiff. Mr Donnelly informed the Magistrate that a settlement had been arrived at. The defendant admitted making the statement, but said that he did so without any evil imputation. He absolutely arid unreservedly withdrew the remark, and consented to judgment for £o, with costs £8 os. Mr Alpers said tho amount of judgment would be donated to some patriotic fund. Plaintiff merely desired a withdrawal of the slander. 'The Magistrate, entered judgment accordingly. Judgment was given for the plaintiff by default in the following cases: William Henry v. James Diggs, £5 7s; Woolston Tanneries, Ltd., v. H. Pittaway. 10s; National Mortgage, and Agency Co. of N.Z.. Ltd., v. Kate Jackson. £29 7s: Supernumerary Fund Board of Methodist Church of N.Z. v. Harry Morris Hay. £9O 4s; Albert ■Tones v. Robert Barr. £9 6s 2d : Papanui Stores Co. v. Henry C. Rowsell, £8; Henry Berry and Co. v. Walter Ludlam, £3B 11s 2d; Canterbury Publishing Co. v. Charles Ankins, £1 Is 9d ; Henry Iv. Allison v. James Rennell, £l2 10s; International Harvester Co. v. William T. Psrata. £9 7s 6d: Robert Macartnev v. William Major, £lB 4s 6d.

CHEVIOT. Mr T. A. B. Bailey. S.M., presided at the Magistrate’s Court at' Cheviot oi "Wednesday. Thomas Bowen (Mr Gibson), charged with using behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, pleaded not guilty. Defendant was convicted and fined* 40s and costs. The same defendant was charged with using threatening behaviour and was convicted and ordered to pay costs. Thomas Painter (Mr Mosley) was charged on the information of T. Bowen (Mr Gibson) with using insulting language. The case was dismissed and 21s costs was allowed defendant.

The rabbit inspector proceeded against B. Martin for. failing to destroy rabbits. Defendant was convicted and ordered to pay costs.

In the case of P. and I). Duncan v. J. Ashworth, claim £6 13s Id on a judgment summons, an order was made for immediate payment. in default seven days’ imprisonment. The order was suspended for fourteen days. In the following cases judgment was given for plaintiffs by default with costs: —J. T. Bead v. M. Swords, claim 7s; same v. Mrs L. Charlett, claim 10s; J. 11. Cooper v. H. "VYiddowson, claim £8 16s; George Tweedie v. J. Tate, sen., claim £‘3 iSs; T. Sullivan v. J. Tate, claim. £24 10s 4d. In C. Antonio v. D. Brick, claim £2 Bs, judgment was given for plaintiff for the amount, claimed and cods. In \V. H. Smith v. Thomas Hayes, a claim for £2O 0s 6d, the claim was reduced to £4 lbs, and judgment was given for plaintiff with costs.