Magisterial.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 111, 21 September 1868, Page 2

Magisterial.

This Day. (Before C. C. Bo wen, Esq , R.M ) Drunkenness. — Thomas Barton was charged with being drunk and disorderly on nturday. Constable Kares Paid about seven o'clock in the evening, he s.iw prisoner on horseback in a atate of intoxication, and creating a disturbance. He would not desistwhen requested, and was taken into custody Prisoner admitted the offence, and hoped the Bench would deal leniently with him as it was his first appearance. His Worship said he was Tery foolish to hare conducted himself in such a manner, especially on horseback, l>ut as he htd been locked up since Saturday, he would be dismissed. A further charge of abusive language was also preferred against prisoner by his wife. Complainant said she had been married about three years, but defendant left her twelve months ago, and thej had lired separate ever since. She had supported lurself by keeping a boarding-house, but defendant frequently came and annoyed her. He did so on rt.-turday last, and used most abusive and threatening language. Defendant acknowledged having deserted his wife, and occasionally going to the house, but denied being abusive. His Worship said he was uot inclined to go further into tliß case then, but if defendant was brought up again, the fact of him luring first deserti d his wife and then g"ing near her premises would be taken as priutil facie evidence that he hud annoyed or insiilted her. Defendant expressed his desire to have proper d«eils of separation drawn up, and his Worship dismissed the case, with the recommendation that such a course should be ad ipted. Afti iation. — William Cummins was brought 'jp in custody, charged by Esther Jack son with being th • father of her illegitimate child. A summons h-d originally been issued, but defendant having tailed to obey it, he vras arrested. Complainant stated her case, from which it upt>:-ared that defendant had supported her for some considerable time, and she had been in the habit of rccoiviuu his wages she bad been recen'ly turned out of her house, and now desired to have permanent provision made for the child as defendant was doing away. Defendant denied being father M the child, and alleged that complainant (wh- of a very loose character. He wo Id be <ble to produce evidence on this point if the case vras adjourned, to enable him to find h s witnesses. He hud kept complainant for upwards of nine months, and bad paid her in all about £50. His Worship fl-mlly agreed to adjourn the case until Thursday for further evidence.