MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1897, Page 2

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Breach op Tbaf fie By-Law. I John Harling, charged at the Magistrates' Court to-day before Mr H. V. . Robinson, S.M., with driving three horses in a drag from Trafalgar street at a pace exceeding five mileß an hour, admitted the offence, but Baid he did not think there was any danger. He attributed the pace of his horses to a man suddenly cracking a whip just as defendant opproaohed the corner. His horses were under control. i Sergeant MoArdle said he did not press for a penalty in tho circumstances, but it was neoessary to make an example of drivers turning coiners at a dangerous pace. On this occasion a number of people wero about and ther? was danger. Constable Cullinane deposed to seeing the defendant drive round the corner on tho occasion in question. It was a Saturday night and a large number of people were about. Defendant was di iving at a pace of about 9 or 10 miles an hour. Samuel, ickellcorrobarated tbe coostahle's evidenoe, adding that several people including women, had to shift very smartly to get olear. Witness did not think it too much to say that the pace was even 12 miles an hour. Geo. M. Rout, who was in Mr Jickell's company, deposed that defendant drove round the corner at fully ten mile an hour. Witness heard tho dependent as he approached the corner shouting to people to get out of the road. Defendant said he came up Trafalgar street near Buxtons slowly, but as he got to the corner a man in a cart cracked his whip and his horses quickened their paoe. Defendant, however, steadied them and did not think they turned the coiner co very fast. He had j ust come in from Cable Bay. His Worship fined the defendant 10s and costs lis. Firing Gorse. Thomas Coles and Daniel AlleD, two youths, pleaded guilty to setting fire to Borne gorse on the Port Hills on the evening of the 18th. Serge. MoArdle said the gorse had been cut and was lying in dangerous proximity to several private residences. A number of willing hands turned out and extinguished the fire before any damage was done. The fire occurred about 8 o'clock at night. The defendants were not acting under the instructions of Mr Taylor, who had the gorse cut. His Worohip said ho conld give three months' imprisonment for such an offence, and it was well that this should be known, Sergt. MoArdle said he did not press for a heavy fine. His Worship imposed a line of 10s and costs 6s 6d each, to be paid within seven days. Child Maintenance. ■ An information against John D. Webber, charging him with failing to contribute to the support of his child, wa9 adjourned till Tuesday next to allow communication with the defendant, who te at Greymouth. A telegram ;from the defendant, stating that he had had no opportunity of communicating with the complainant, was read in Court.