RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Colonist, Issue 77, 16 July 1858, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Wkdnesday, July 14. Befort. the Resident Magistrate, W. Wells, Esq., J.P., and J. Mackay, Esq., J.P. The cases on this day were principally confined to questions regarding "the Camilla. Some of the passengers of that ship had taken but summones for damages for non-supply of provisions and water. The Bench gave judgment of £6 damages to each adult. Another case was brought forward by Mr. Pilbrow, late chief officer of the ship, but withdrawn with a view to further legal proceedings. M'Donald v. Curtis Brothers.—ln this case Captain Macdonald sued for his wages, &c, as commander of the Camilla. On being sworn he stated that he had no written contract, but that by a verbal arrangement he had agreed with Mr. Michael, the owner, to command the vessel at a salary of £12 per month. He had received no advance, in England, and had received letters to shew that none had been made to his family during his absence. He had at the request of the Messrs. Curtis, who had consulted with Mr. Mackay, resigned tho command, but he had done so with the impression that all his salary then due was to be paid to him, and his effects given up. Mr. Mackay, who was upon'the bench, explained that he had advised Mr. Macdonald to retire from the command of the vessel, but disclaimed any share in effecting an arrangement. Mr. Curtis said that as their firm were the agents of the charterers only, he did not consider that they would be justified in settling a claim dependant upon a contract made by the owner, who might not acknowledge such a proceeding on their part. He therefore wished that legal proceedings should be taken, so that in the event of a judgment being obtained, he could shew that the payment on his part was compulsory. The worthy Magistrate said that it was, he thought, but right that Captain Macdonald should receive the salary earned already and his account, with the deduction of a few items, relating to the vessel's return to Hobarton. This ho gave merely as an expression of opinion, but could not give a judgment for the amount against Messrs. Curtis.

Chimney on Fire.—Mr. White was fined 10s. and costs for neglecting to attend to the cleanliness of one of his chimneys, thereby occasioning it to take fire.

Supreme Court.—Our readers will perceive by an advertisement in to-day's impression that this Court will hold its sittings early next month. We have been informed that there is an arrear of civil business. The following cases _a,re on the list:—

Bradshaw v. Poynter. Stamper v. Crowther. Karsten v. Berry. Robinson v. Hooper. Thomas v. Empsom. Empsom v. Hargreaves. Sale op Horses.—On Wednesday last Messrs. Edwards held an auction sale at Auckland Point, where a numerous selection of horses were offered to^public competition. The reserved price placed on many of the animals was in the opinion of those present surpassing their value, and but few real sales were effected, Mr. W. Robinson, of the Bush, and Mr. T. Wilson being the principal speculators. Arrival op the Lion.—This vessel, which has been compelled from stress of weather to puHnto this port, has on board some horses bought in Sydney for the Otago market. The owners are disposed to sell them here if they can see a fairly remunerative price. Amongst them, we are informed, are several very superior animals. None have suffered during the passage, and it would be well for those in want of really useful animals to give an inspection of the stock now here.