LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5129, 25 April 1878, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

POLICE COURT.— Wednesday. itßetore Mr. G. Von Dcr Heyde, J.P.] DKUh'KES-NESP, —Two women and one m»n were each fined 10s., or in default 4S hours , imprisonment, for second offences of this character. Absconding Apprentice.—Alfred Clunes, a lad charged with deserting from the steamer Wauaka, on board which he was an apprentice, was further remanded until Monday. Wife beating.—Hugh McCarthy was charged on remand with assaulting his wife by striking her ou the head. Jlra. McCarthy naked permission to withdraw the charge, and it was granted, the Bench severely cautioning the priBiieach OF THE TEAfE. —William Andrews was charged with behaviug in a riotouv manner in Mill Lane. Mr. George, for the defendant, pleaded not guilty. Mr. Partly stated the case. Edward Ilawkley", in the employ of Mr. Faulder to remove nightsoil, deposed that when so employed with a man named JlcGee, in Mill Lane, someone started the horses, and McGee went to fetch them back. The defendant prevented him, and said he would not allow them in the street, as it was his. He threatened them with a bar of iron, and said if they did not clear out he would make them do so. John McGee gave who was called to the assistance of the two witnesses, when they complained of defendant's conduct, was- also examined. He asked defendant several times to give his name, but be refused to do so. The defendant was examined. On two or three occasions the night carts had struck against his stables, arid he got up to caution the nightmen. Ho advised them to take off their leader, and one of them told him they did not care whether they threw the place down ; that he could settle with Mr. Faulder. He got excited, and told them if they did not clear out he would make them. He gave his name when asked by tlie constable. Mr. Pardy cautioned the defendant, as three witnesses hid already sworn that he did not give his name. When the constable asked him the second time, he told him to go and find out. He neither obstructed the nightmen nor lifted a bar of iron to them, but he had the wooden bar of the door in his hand. He reported the matter next morning .to Detective Jeffrey. Bridget Williams, housekeeper to defendant, also nave evidence to the effect that Mr. Jones's fence was broken down by the nightnien's cart, which made a great noise. She corroborated Andrews' statement as to what took place, and also to the fact that defendant told the constable his name. Air. George addressed the Court. The Court held the case proved, but, under the circumstances, only inflicted a penalty of 5s anil costs —ill 14s.