MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5134, 28 November 1903, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER. 27. (Before Dr A. McArthur, S.M.) John Jobson, for whom Mr Milford appeared, pleaded not guilty to a charge of being drunk while in charge of a horse and carriage, defendant being a licensed driver. The offence was alleged to have been committed on the second day of the Wellington races. Evidence was given l>y three witnesses for the prosecution. Neither would swear that defendant was incapable, but they all seemed to agree, that he was “under the influence of liquor.” When driving homo to Wellington he stopped his horses half-way between Pctonoand Ngahauranga and demanded payment of tho fare, whereupon all three passengers loft the vehicle and walked to Ngahauranga, where (they boarded u train for the city, Mf Flanagan (secretary of tho Cab Proprietors’ Union) stated that defendant was drunk on tho racecourse, but ho could not say anything as to ins condition when he started on tho return journey. His Worship said tho witnesses hail probably been very kind to defendant. Ho had steered pretty close to tho horder-lino, and the incident would no doubt he a lesson to him in tho future. Tho case was dismissed. John Dome, awaiting sentence on two charges of theft of goods, valued at £ll, pleaded guilty, through Mr Hindmarsh, to a further charge o': stealing fowls, valued at 30s, and also to a fourth count charging him with escaping from legal custody. On tho hast charge ho was committed to tho Supremo Court for sentence, the Magistrate deferring .sentence in the other case until December 4th. Evidence was given by H. D. Crawford and C. T. Brown to tho effect Hint accused was a man of very weak mind. Ho was gokhnining in tho interior of Australia about a year ago. and while in Sydney was violently assaulted and robbed of his money. His assailants were brought to justice and sentenced to long terras of imprisonment. Unfortunately, Mr Hinclmarsh added, accused never properly recovered tho full! uso of his mental faculties. Even in his younger days, it was stated, he was of a rather irresponsible nature. John Kioly, charged with "being found on licensed premises during tho currency of a prohibition order, was convicted and discharged. Mrs E. Claridgo, wifo of Herbert Josiah Claridge, compositor, sued for a summary separation order from her husband and custody of tho children of tho marriage. His Worship granted petitioner an order as asked, with custody of tho children, and ordered (defendant to contribute to his wife’s support tho sum of £1 porweok. Costs amounting to £1 10s were allowed. Thomas Skollio, a lad, who pfleaded guilty to tho theft of four sheets of zino, valued at 13s, was remanded in order to obtain tho report of the probation officer. In the civil, action of tho Han Hau Creek Gold Dredging Company, Ltd., and James Whitson Jack, liquidator for tho company, v. William Wright Smith, a claim for £63 4s 3d. for calls duo, •Judgment was for,plaintiff for amount claimed, with costs £G 17s. Mr Brown was for plaintiff and Mr Weston for defendant.