CITY POLICE COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23514, 31 May 1938, Page 16

CITY POLICE COURT

Monday, May 30 (Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.) DRUNKENNESS Charged with drunkenness, a first oJlender was fined £l, in default 24 hours’ imprisonment. MISCHIEF AND ASSAULT William Alexander Rae, for whom Mr J. G. Warrington appeared, was charged with having committed mischief by damaging a panel and a pane of glass valued at 12s 6d, the property . of Percival Chilman Barker. He was also charged with having assaulted Percival Chilman Barker and wilfully damaging a bed valued at £l, the property of the New Zealand Government.—Senior Sergeant Claasen explained that the proprietor of the boarding house at which the accused was lodging had occasion to remonstrate with him for taking some'* drunken men up to his room. The accused then struck the complainant and committed the damage mentioned in the charge. He was arrested and taken to the Police Station. He was under the influence of liquor and when taken in charge he lost control of his temper and damaged the bed in his cell. “This man,” the senior sergeant said, "is just a cheap, common bully, and relies on his strength to smash his way about the town.”— Mr Warrington said that the accused had never been in trouble before, and on this occasion it was drink which had made him lose control of himself. He was deeply sorry for what had occurred, and it was unlikely that he would offend again.— On the first charge a fine of 20s was imposed, and the accused was ordered to make good the damage. On the charge pi assault the accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence any time if called on within 12 months, a condition being that he enters into a bond to keep the peace towards the complainant. On the third charge he was fined 20s, in default three day’s imprisonment. MAINTENANCE William John Bowie was proceeded against on a complaint for maintenance in respect of his wife and his youngest son. —Mr W. Taylor appeared for the complainant and after evidence had been heard an order was made for payment at the rate of £1 5s per week, past maintenance being fixed at £ 10. The hearing of the case in which James Campbell was proceeded against on a claim for affiliation and maintenance orders in respect of an illegitimate child of which he was alleged to be the father, was concluded.—After the evidence of a witness had been heard, his Worship reserved his decision. Claiming that he was unable, on account of his wife’s means, to receive any assistance, Robert Doull proceeded against his wife on a claim for maintenance —Mr I. B. Stevenson represented the defend* an t.—Mr C. J. L. White, who appeared for the complainant, explained that his client had applied for an old-age pension, for sustenance, and for charitable aid, but in each case he had been refused on the ground that his wife had an income, which was early this year augmented by a legacy of £l7O. The complainant was now unable to work, and was at present living with a son-in-law, who was unable to keep him.—Mr Stevenson said that the defendant could not see why she should be called on to keep the complainant, more especially as, if it had not been for the legacy, she would have been compelled to apply for an old age oension for herself.— After the defendant had tendered evidence, the magistrate made an order for 16s per week, to remain in force for 12 months. Wilfred Reginald John Seymour was proceeded against by his wife, who claimed separation, maintenance and guardianship orders, on the ground of habitual cruelty.—Mr O. G Stevens appeared for the complainant and Mr J. G. Warrington for the defendant.—After evidence had been given on behalf of the complainant, the magistrate adjourned the hearing for a fortnight.