MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 59, 5 March 1909, Page 5

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

(Before Mr Scott-Smith, S.M.)

DRUNKENNESS

At the Magistrate's Court this morning, Henry Bowser was charged, on the information of Constable^ Bird, with being found drunk alongside of the Blenheim Fire Brigade station. Bowser pleaded not guilty. Constable Bird, in. his evidence, stated that he found _accused leaning up against the fire brigade station at 10 p.m. yesterday, and that he was in an intoxicated condition^ He spoke to accused, and told him he had been drinking, and that if he did not get away he would "put him -in under the vag." There wet©•» others with him who were very nearly as bad as accused. The latter interrogated him impudently : and he (Constable Bird) arrested him. Bowser was very drunk. Accused said he wanted an adjournment in order to get some witnesses to prove that he was not drunk. Mr Scott-Smith, S.M.: "Come up here; I cannot hear you." Bowser, addressing Constable Bird: "You came uy> and grabbed me by the arm. and said I was drunk. I asked you what I had' been doing that you should interfere with me." Mr Scott-Smith: "Have you any questions to ask the witness; if so ask them, and don't go on like that." ■ Accused: "AH right," To Constable Bird witness said: "You said I was drunk; I say I wasn't. I cam© out of the Criterion Hotel because they did not serve me with any drink." 'Constable Bird, continuing his evidence, said Bowser had done no work for the past month, >and that he hada bottle oi beer when arrested.^ Accused: "I have been waiting to go out rabbit poisoning, but the weather has been tco hot at present for that work." Mr. Scott-Smith: "That will do, Constable Bird." To witness: "Do you want to give evidence?" Accused: "Yes." Mr Scott>Smith: "Well, get into thebox!" Constable Bird, in administering the. usual oath, said, "Take the book am youafrighit hand— ■—" ' - Accxised: "All iright." Witness $aid he had some drink, but was_ not drunk, and could walk straight. Turning to Constable Bird, he.asked: "Didn't I walk to the police ■station with you?" Constable Bird: "Yes, whenll made you."

1 Mr Scott-Smith: You' heard what > Constable Bird isaid. He stated that you were drunk and were standing up against the fire brigade .station. Was he speaking trie truth? ■ Accused: I was standing talking. I bad a few drinks, but was not drunk, and could walk steadily. To Sergt.-Majoir Mason/: He did not do-any work yesterday, and had not done any for the past month. The first drink he had yesterday was about 12,30 p.m., just before going home to dinner. He came down town in the aiitemioonj and had iseveral drinks, about half a dozen. He asked Constable Bird what he took him for when he went, to airrest him. He would hare called Charlie Ball to give evidence. . , Sergt.-Major Mason: Yes, he was as bad as yourself. Why do you take up the time of the Court like this? S Will you deny that you went i home ! and created a disturbance by demanding money? Accused: I did not make any row at home. , Mr Scott-Smith: A young man like you should be ashamed of yourself. You will be convicted and discharged for drunkenness, and I will make a prohibition, order against you forl 12 months. " '■'"

Sorgt.-M.ajor Mason intimated that Bowser would be retained until the order was served upon him, the reason being that oni a previous occasion when he was prohibited he had evaded service for several days. He added that he had not heard of his having been drinking during those days.