PORT CHALMERS POLICE COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8861, 19 July 1890, Page 5 (Supplement)

PORT CHALMERS POLICE COURT.

'■ ■" ; i*' -' ■ ' ■. ■ . Wednesday, July 16. (Before Messrs B. G. Allen, J. E, Ilonßon, and W. Goldie, J.P's.) Assault.—Eichard Vaughan was charged with assaulting John Evans on the 13th inst.—Mr North for the complainant; Mr Platt's defended A cross summons was heard at the same time.—Complainant; stated that while walking down the Carey Bay road on the date in question he saw at defendant's door his wife, who had refused to live with him. After speaking to her he took their child, and walked with it towards the Port, when defendant overtook him, and asked what he intended doing with the child. Witneas replied that that was hit business, where' upon the defendant assaulted him, striking hint several timeß on the head. Witness ran away with the child and left it at the Orescent Hotel. They, met again and fought.—William Gibblns, fisherman, saw Evans on the ground and Vaughan kneeling on him and striking him. Witness parted them.— Mr Platts admitted complainant's right to the child, but not to take it forcibly.—Harriets* Evans said she was standing at her brother's door on the afternoon of the 13th hut. when her husband took the child, which was 14 months old, by force, and still retained possession of it.—Defendant swore that complainant struck him flrat and tried to bite his thumb off. Ho defended himself as well as he could. Was It likely that he, 62 years o£ age, would attack a man only 32.'—Dr Drjßdala examined defendant. la addition to brulies on hit' face there were evident marks of a kiok on the right leg. Hiß thumb was considerably lacerated olose to the joint, and showed marks of teeth. He had known defendant for 25 years eib a very reßpectabla man.—William Isbister said, on the afternoon of th 13th inst., while Bitting at his window, he jeaw; complainant running away, carrying a ohild, and thinking there was something wrong, went after him, and noticed ;the defendant coming in the opposite direction. As Boon as the parties met the complainant! struck the defendant two or three blows. When they both fell witness called for assistance and tho men were separated, but the complainant, who was in a very excited state, ran after the defendant and again assaulted him.—William Kettle gave evidence as to character.—The Bench fined Evans £2 and costs (28s), in default 14 days' imprisonment; and ordered him to keep the peace for six months— himself in £10 and;two;Buret!es of JUS each.—The case of Evansi v. Vaughan was dismissed.—The Benoh also complimented the witness Tsbister on giving his evl- ' deuce in such a clear and impartial manner.; Fbiday, July 18. (Before Messrs A. Thomson and J. Morgan, J.P's.J ■ Obscehe Language. — Samuel , Wilson was . charged on tho information of Constable Hugh Chisbolm with using obscene language on tho 14th mat. Accused pleaded not guilty.— Constable Ohisholm stated that at 6.80 p.m. on the 14th inst. the defendant made use of most; disgusting language towards his wife within the bearing of a number of persons in George street. Witness had previously Been the accused ohaalng his wife, and had cautioned him.—James Stevenson,, Samuel Larkins.and Edward Wignall, jun., also gave evidence Btating that they heard no bad language! used by Wilson. —Accused, in defence, stated that his wife had loft him and taken everything belonging to him away. On the night in question he called at tha house Bhe was residing in and asked her to give him his box, when she ran down, the street screaming " murder." He denied making übo of indecent lan- : gnage.—Tho Benoh said that if the evidence of tha constable had been alone they would have convicted the defendant, but as tho evidence of the witnesses . called by the police was bo unsatisfactory defendant might regard his escape from imprisonment as "extremely f ortuml o, |as they h«d no powor in - such eases to inflict a fine. After cautioning thencpased. as to liia language in the future the case was dismissed. .«. . ■ : .■.';■. ■> A Farmers'and Employers' Club has been formed at Duntroon. At tho preliminary meetings opinions were expressed by working men that a man should be allowed to work as many hours as he pleased, within rensonable limits, at tho proposed rate of lOd per hour, and thnt payment at-the rate of tlma 5 and a-half for lovertimo ;would be excessive during harvest, ... :