Police Court.

Southland Times, Issue 13508, 16 July 1896, Page 3

Police Court.

Wednesday, 15th July (Before J. W. Poynton Esq.; S.M.) ALLEGED PERJURY. The case in which John B irg Basstian was charged on the information of Walter Basstian with having committed perjury during the hearing of a case in the Suprimi Court, was resumed. Mr Wade for informant; Mr Rattray for accused. At the conclusion of the plaintiff’s case Mr Rattray contended that he had nothing to answer as the charges had not been proved.—His Worship said the case had broken down on two points, namely, as to whether accused had been manager at Hamilton Burn—which was doubtful—and whethei the station books were burned at a particular time. With regard to the remaining point, the fact that in one year there were 150 sheep shorn at a cost of about 30s was not much in a claim that extended over four or five years and it was quite likely that the man might have made a mistake in regard to that statement. It was scarcely probable thab he would lay himself open to a charge of perjury for so small an amount. The case would be dismissed. MAINTENANCE CASE. George S. Lawrence was charged with failing to obey an order of the Court of June 17, compelling him to pay 10s per week towards the maintenance of his wife—Mr Rawson for complainant, Mr Wade for defendant pleaded inability to pay. The case had been adjourned as complainant had stated that her husband was living with another man’s wife and was therefore able to keep her and the Bench wished to give her an opportunity of proving the statement. After hearing this evidence the Magistrate said it was evident that the defendant was trying to evade the order of the Court. He would be ordered to pay arrears and costs of the proceedings forthwith, in default three months’ imprisonment ; execution to be suspended until the first of August when his wages would be due.