WHANGAREI S.M. COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13523, 22 August 1907, Page 7

WHANGAREI S.M. COURT.

[BT TIiLKCJtt.M'K.— OWN* CORRESPONDENT.]

Whan-g.vrei, Wednesday. The monthly sitting of the Magistrate's Court, presided over by Mr. Dyer, commenced yesterday morning, and continued until lato this afternoon. Judgment was j-jven in the civil action, Northern Coal Company v. H. Christie and LeylandO'Brien Company. Plaintiffs claimed £90. They alleged damage to a tram line, bridge, and other property by defendants floating Jog 3 down tho Ngunguru River. Tho Ley-iand-O'Brien Company compromised out of Court, but Christie contested the case. Mr. Dyer gave judgment as against Christie for £45, with costs totalling £16 14s 6cl. On the application of defendant's solicitor execution was stayed for 14 days. Four Maoris were charged with drunken and riotous behaviour in a railway carriage at Waro, on July 13. Each was fined £2, with 10s lOd costs. Two other Maoris, for using obscene language on the same occasion, were fined £2 and 10s respectively, with costs. Sergeant Drake stated that complaints were frequent respecting the use of foul language, and abominable beliaviour in the lato train up-country on Saturday nights. When beyond Hikurangi advantage was taken of the fact that there was little likelihood of coming into contact with a constable. The defendants in both instances were severely admonished by the magistrate, who threatened gaol without option for a further offence.

Henry McNeil was proceeded, against by the police for drunkenness in a, railway carriage on the* same date, to the annoyance and discomfort of other passengers. A fine of £2, with 18s costs, was inflicted. George Ross was charged with threatening behaviour and using obscene language at Parua Bay, on June 22, on the information of Charles (Judo. The first charge was dismissed. On the second charge Ross was convicted and fined £5, with costs amounting to £2 19s 6d. A claim for £17 15s was made by Ernest Walker against Walter Hartnell,'both of Waikiekie. the amount being alleged to be duo for bullock hire and wages. After evidence had been taken judgment was given in Walker's favour for £12 Bs. with costs on the customarv scale. A. McDonald sued - native named Nehati for £5 Bs. The sum A £3 6s was paid into Court, but the balance was disputed. Judgment was given for the full amount claimed, the right being reserved to defendant to have a re-hearincr if notice to that effect is given within 14 days. The full amount claimed, with costs. Was allowed in the case.