LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8931, 21 December 1887, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

SUPREME COURT.— Judges' Chambers.

Tuesday. [Before His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies.]

Probatk.—Probate was granted in the wills of the following persona, deceased :—Arthur Fennell, James P. Hammon, and Catherine Cole.

Administration.—Lettere of administration were granted in the follawing estates :— Amelia Fanny MoGowan, Richard Andrew, Riohard Bursdale Lyth, and James Durden. Lunatics Act.—Under the provisions of the Lunatics Act, and in the matter of Alexander Lewis Meldrnm, a lunatio, Mr. Buddie moved for an order to sell land. An affidavit was filed, and the order was made as prayed, under the 92nd section of the Act. New Zealand Frozen Meat Company.— Mr. Button moved for an order confirming reduction of capital. He explained that there was no reduction of the liability on the shares issued, and no creditors were interested. The order was granted. Waikato Fellmongery Company.—Mr. Button moved that the company be dissolved, and the bond of the liquidator cancelled. The order was granted as prayed. Thamks District Board v. Chairman and Count? of Piako.—Mγ. Alexander moved for directions as to service of charging order. The application was allowed to stand over till Friday. Thames and Cokohandel TJnitkd District Charitable Aid Board v. County of Piako.—Mr. Alexander moved for directions as to service of charging order in this case also, and it was allowed to stand over. Lewis v. Brown.—Mr Speed moved for an order for leave to defend in this action. Mr. Palmer appeared in support of the application. Hie Honor said there was nothing in the affidavit to show what the aotion was about. The application was granted.

PAPAKURA R.M. COURT. Monday, December' 19.

(Before James Bell, and W. Crawford, E»qs., J.P.'sl

Allkged Cattle Stealing. — James Bentley was charged with the larceny of five head of cattle, valued at £4 163, the property of Mre. Craig, of Ardmore. Mrs. Craig deposed that about July last six young cattle that had been born and reared upon her place disappeared, and though she and her family searched for them they failed to find them. At the November sale she saw one of them, and spoke to defendant about it. He said it was his. In the December sale she saw three of her cattle. Bentley claimed them, and aaid he bought them at the Papakura sale in March or April, 1886, and would not give them np without a struggle. The sale of the cattle was stopped by Bentley, who took the cattle home. Subsequently, Mrs. Craig and Con» stable McKnight went to Bentley's; the cattle were mastered, and four ateers and one heifer were claimed by Mrs. Craig aa her property. They were removed. Bentley said he bought them trom Mr. Wallis, at Hunter's sale, and branded them a day or two after. This was in March or April, 18S6. The brands on the cattle were very light, and appeared quite recent, the hair in eomeoasee not having grown over the brand. Mrs. Craig, her two bods, daughter, and Mr. Dobbs swore to the cattle being Mrs. Craig's. Mr. Wallis swore the cattle were not any that he had sold. Messrs. Henderson, Frail, and Thorn swore that the brands were recent, from four to nine months at the outaide old. Mrs. Craig also produced cows said to be the mothers of the cattle. In two cases the likeness between the mother and the alleged offspring were marked. Constable McKnight deposed to Bentley having assisted him in yarding the cattle, and giving him information. Gave him the brand, and said he branded in April, 1886; that Nolan produced the rate-book of purchases by Bentley of cattle. The Bench believing there was a case to answer, Bentley reserved his defence, and was fully committed ior trial. Detective Tuohy represented the police.—|Own Correspondent.}

KAWAKAWA POLICE COUBT. December 5. [Before Mr. T. P. Moody, J.P.]

Pep jury.—Duncan Moßeth was charged on warrant with perjury, alleged to have been committed at Whangarei, in connection with a oharge of gum-stealing, in which the accused was one of the prisoners oharged. Constable Coughlan explained to the Benoh that the alleged offence was committed at Whangarei, to where he asked to have the prisoner remanded. The remand was granted.

December 13.

[Before Mr. T. P. Moody and Dr. Oaldwell, J.P.'e.j

Assault. —Thomas fliggins v. Frank Montague, of Hnkerenui. Mr. Reed appeared for the plaintiff. The defendant was charged that he did, on the 11th inst., at Hukerenui, unlawfully assault and beat the aforeoaid plaintiff, Thomas Higgins. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Thomas Higgins deposed that he was a gumdigger in the Hukerenui district. On the morning of the 11th inst. he was going to work with his mate, Peter McKenzie, and when passing Montague's house, without any provocation or address, he was set upon by Montague, who rushed out and knocked him down, and strnok him again when he was on the ground. He then threatened that when witness , mate left he would do for witness, and he was afraid that defendant would endeavour to do him further bodily injury. Defendant: Did yon not say something offensive to me on Sunday? Witness, in reply, stated that he never spoke to him' on Sunday. Peter McKeiizie, gave corroborative evidence. Charles Sullivan and James were examined for the defence. The case was adjourned to January 11, 1888.— [Own Uorres pondent.]