RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1968, 26 April 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY.

W. Fjuskb, Eeq., B M.)

AN UNBULY TONGUE.

William Campbell was charged with that he did unlawfully make use of abusive and provoking language towards William Munro.

Defendant applied for an adjournment, as he had only receired the summons at 5 o'clock on Saturday night. He could not plead,, not guilty, but "he wanted witnesses to speak to the man's character, as to the way he bad humbugged his mates and him (defendant).

His Worship asked defendant what good would the production of his witnesses do if he admitted using the language. They would proye, was the reply, that he had reason to be angry. But ho would go on with the case. His Worship : If you like the luxury of an adjournment, hare it; I do not wish to interfere with you. But you will hare tto* pay tke expenses of these people in attendance. In thess circumstances defendent decided to proceed with the case. James Munro deposed—l am a miner, and a tributer of the Una. Know Camp* bell, who bought into the tribute about 5 weeks ago. 'J he language complained of took place on Friday morning, as he was g«ing to work with Hodge. Met defendant in the blacksmith's shop. Hodge called Campbell on one side. He told Campbtll that he was not fit to do the carpentering work, and asked him to giro it up. They went on, and Campbell turned round and lifted a pick as if to strike Hodge. He then turned to me and said, "You b—^wretch, I will send this through your head." I only said, " If you can do the timbering, do it; but it's no use talking about sending a pick at people's heads." By defendant: I knew nothing of you till you came to the tribute. Defendant said he had been mining ten years, and lie wished to produce competent men to ipeak as to his ability. His mates would not let him proceed with the work. ,

Henry Hodge deposed—l am one of the tributers. Was present at the altercation between Campbell and Munro. Munro told me the night before that the timber was not fit to be placed in the

ground. I spoke to Campbell the next day. I said to Campbell, "You know the conditions on which you bought the share ; now I find you are not competent I will withdraw my sanction.", He said he would do it in spite of me. I told him he wai an impostor, and was not competent. He then called me the names.

Defendant said the tribute was in his name. It had not paid £1 a week for twelve months, and now a crushing was going on, which was likely to pay good wages. Ho had certainly ustd improper language, but had been provoked. , He had abused Hodge, but Campbtll was backing him (Hodge) up and Ulling him what to say. His Worship said ho could not do better than to acknowledge his fault. lie (his Worship) was quite satisfied, and would bind bim over in his own recognizances to !*cep the peace towards his mates for flute months. tbansfH&s oe licenses. Samuel Hamilton made application for the transfer of the license of the Old House at Home Hotel, Grahamslown, to Bichard Potter. Application granted. George Burdett applied for the transfer of the license of the Grand Junction Hotel, Moanatairi Creek, to William Hetherington. Application granted. The Court adjourned.