RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 411, 22 August 1877, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

THIS DAY. (Before G. Si mptkr and T. A. Clowks, Enqs., J.P's.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. John Morgan was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in Thamesstreet yesterday while in charge of a waggon and six horses. After the evidence of Sergeant Beatty had been taken, the Bench inflicted a fine of L2, with the alternative of a week's imprisonment. LARCENY OK TIMHKU. A respectably-dressed married woman was charged with having, on the 21st inst., stolen a number of pieces of wood out of the yard of Henry Aitken, of the valuo of 10d., and the property of the said Henry Aitken. The accused pleaded Guilty, and said she did not think the pieces of wood were of any value. Sub-Inspector Smith stated that about 9 o'clock last evening, the constable found the accused in Mr. Aitken's timber yard, with the pieces of timber produced under her cloak. The owners of timber yards were continually complaining of timber being stolen from their premises. Mr. Aitken was absent from town, and ho would like the case remanded until Mr. Aitken returned. After some further discussion, it was decided to take what evidence was forthI coming. Akx. C. Johnston deposed that lie was employed in Mr. Aitken's timber yard. They had frequently missed timber from the yard. The accused had no right there, and had no authority to removo any timber. There was a right-of-way through the yard. The pieces of timber produced were saleable. Constable Johnston stated that about half-past 9 o'clock last evening, while on duty near the bridge, ho noticed the accused in Mr. Aitken's yard. On going up to her, she dropped the pieces of wood produced from under her cloak. He asked what she was taking the wood for, and she replied that she did not think there was any harm in doing so. Ho then took her into custody. The Bench said that thoy were inclined to look upon the matter as leniently as they could, but they could not pass over the offence without some punishment. The accused would therefore be ordered to be imprisoned for six hours.