RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume IIII, Issue 1765, 29 August 1874, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. ("Before W. Fbaseb, Esq., 8.M.)

'indecent language,

William Katrine was cbarged with, that lie did make use of indecent language in a public place, to wit, Pbllen-»trett,: Short; laud, on the 25th instant. The party bringing the charge; was a Mrs. Argen. There was no appearance of either party, and thecase was struck out. BBKA.CH OF THE MEDICAL PBACTITIONEB's :;;; : ' , .','"';. . act. ■'" .....' ' .•'".-..'. William Brown was charged with a breach of the above Act, by using the title of doctor of medicine-without being registered. ■.■ •■■ ;'■<■; ■:;/■.',':. -.!-■., Mr. Dodd appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. He applied,for an adjournment of the case on account of the defendant's illness. ; His Worship said the case was one which did not require much evidence. Defendant either waa or was not registered. Defendant said he was not registered under the present Act. Mr. Dodd said the Bench could, not convict unless it was proved that defendant had wilfully pretended that ho was registered. His Worship said the very fact of a man giving a prescription* or attending any one under the title of a doctor rendered him liable to the penalty imposed by the Act. I. Mr. Dodd admitted that his client was not registered, but had not been aware of the Act, Mr. Macdonald remarked that defen? dant might not be registered, and still be in all other respects qualified to practice as a medical practitioner, but he had been led to understand that Mr. Brown was not in any respect qualified to practice as a duly qualified medical practitioner. Mr. Dodd,explained that the defendant's papers and diploma, had been left at the Fiji.. He also reminded the Court that Mr. Brown had occupied the position of assistant-surgeon to the Government forces. The discharge of Mr. Brown from, the .Armed Constabulary was put in. , . His Worship suggested that the resignation Lmignt have been compulsory,

in the case of the defendant not being qufdified to hold the position he occupied. Defendant asked that Captain Fraser should leave the Bench that he might gire evidence in his favor. His Worship said he could only say i that he (defendant) had been surgeon in the force mentioned ; but he had always understood that ho was not, and never had been, qualified to practico; and wonder had been oppressed that he had been allowed to occupy the position ho . did. Under the circumstances he would merely inflict a nominal penalty, takinp into consideration that the present was the first cas<? that had, Been brought" under the Act in this district. His Worship then read the words of the Act to defendant,. and cautioa-d him to refrain from practising under the , title of doctor (until ho proved himself qualified) in the district over which he (Hin Worship) presided. He thought he would bemeat'ing the ends of justice in this c^jjapjy imposing the mitigated penalty of £5r r BREACH OF THE MUNICIPAL TOLICE-ACT. James JJarnctt was charged'that he did unlawfully remain at such a distance from his vehiclo so aa not to have full confrol over the horses drawing the same. Defendant, who was a mere lad, pleaded guilty, and made an excuse in extenuation. " ■ . His Worship made somo remarks on the practice of employing guch young lads, and imposed a fine of 5s and costs. . NEGLECTED CHILDttKJT. Timothy Donovan was called to provide support for a male child, now an inmate of the Industrial School, Auckland. The child in question wa« some time since brought to this Court on a charge of vagrancy, and was sent by Hi» Worship to the Industrial School for,a term. Donovan said he was unable to contribute towards the support of his child. Mr. Bullcn referred to the .Neglected and Criminal Children's Act, showing that persons having ckildren in the Indus* trial school—an institution ' supported in part by public benevolence—were .called upon to contribute—however small a sum— towards their maintenance., In reply to His Worship, he said he believed that Donovan was in a position to do this. James Elliott, Sergeant in the Armed Constabulary in Grahamstown, wa» called in order to prove the means of the defendant to support his'child. He deposed that the child in question had been lent to the Industrial school for a term of three years on the 12th of August last, Donovan had been employed, for some time in sorting specimens, and witness had also seen him washing.tailings. At other times he had seen him walking about. He had two children besides thai at the school.. In answer to his Worship Donovan said he had no pension, though he had been two and twenty years in Her Majesty's service. He had three other children—two at. school; and had no constant work. He could pay a shilling per week. ''"' .'*••- Mr. Sullen, said he had bein instructed that the smallest sum in recognition of the claim would be accepted. "■" - , ",' An order was mnde tor payment of a shilling per week.. ANOTHBB CASI. Michael Breen was 1. oiled for a similar purpose. i Breen'a wife appeared, and said her i husband was in the bush. The last time he had been down he had been told that he was not wanted, and so thought it would be useless to come. Mr. Bull en informed the Court that Breen had said he WQuld.not appear. His Worship ordered a warrant to issue for his apprehension. , The Court then adjourned. '