Magisterial.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 305, 6 May 1869, Page 3

Magisterial.

CHRISTCHUHCH. Tins Day. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) Drunkenness — Joseph Morgan was charged with having been drunk and disorderly yesterday. It appeared that he wns subpoenaed as a witness in the case of embezzlement against Archibald Macfarl&ne, on the previous day, when he entered the Court before business commenced in a state of intoxication, and on being removed to the yard, became very noisy. Hia Worship administered a very se-ere reprimand, and said that had it not been prisoners first appearance for drunkenness, he would have been severely dealt with, but as it was, he would be fined 10s. Thos. Thirwall, for having been drunk and incapable the previous evening, was fined the same amount. Breaches of the Poblic House O diXance — J. W. Morton was charged with having left the door of his licensed house open for the sale of liquors during proscribed hours on «im ay last, the 2nd instant. Mr W. Williams appearel for the defence, and admitted that the door was oven, but not for the sale of liquors. It had accidentally been left ajar by a lodger, who had just gone out. Constable Pratt was called, and said that he saw the door open about eleven p.m , and several people, not lodgers, came out, whilst inside there was liquor on the table. No evidence was offered in defence, and accused was accordingly fined £5. William Moir was also summoned for a similar offence on the same day. He was defended by Mr Williams, and Sergeant Jeffrey stated that between eleven and twelve o'clock at night, he went, in company with Constable O'Connor, to accused's house, where he found both the outer and bar doors open, whilst there were six persons in the parlour, with some drinks on the table. Two of them ho knew were not lodgers, and the barman was in the bar at the time. The particulars of the charge were admitted, and no tangible defence being offered, or witnesses called, a flue of £5 was inflicted. John Fox, for whom Mr Williams also appeared, was fined the same amount fof having his licensed house open, and pereons not lodgers drinking therein, on the night of Sunday last. Breaches of the Police Ordinance — George Steele, for riding on a two-horse dray without having reins attached to the leader, was fined 10.*; and George Brandon, for leaving a dray standing in a public thoroughfare over night, was deemed to pay the same amount. Runaway Horse.— -Thomas Blylh was charged with having been at such a distance from his horse and cart as not to have proper control over fiem. Constable Wilson said : About seven o'clock on the morning of the 18th inst., he saw a horse galloping down Gloucester street from the East .lown belt, with, a spring cart attached, and turn into Manchester street, from whence it passed through several others before being stopped Accused, in defence, said he was proceeding

along the East belt, with one hind on the reins of the horse, by the side of which he was walking, when it suddenly jumped on one side, jerked the reins from him, and galloped away before he could regain his hold. He had no witnesses to substantiate the truth of this statement, and his Worship remarking that it was for the defence to prove that no neglect had been exercised, which he had not done, fined him 10s. Illegal Rescue of Pigs. — Albert Truskett and lewis Coutts were summoned by Robert Aiken for having illegally rescued forty-five pigs whilst being driven to the pound. The pigs had, it appeared, trespassed on complainant's land, and were sent, v ider charge of his son, 9. boy about nine years of age, to the pound. After proceeting about three miles, the accuseds came up and forcibly took them away, throwing some silver into the cart as payment for the damages. In defence, it was contended that the boy had agreed to let the pigs go for the money, but this was denied; and his Worship holding that accuseds had no right to make any bargain wha*ever with the boy whilst the father was only a abort distance behind, imposed a fine of 10s each, with Court costs, and 20s to be paid to complainant for driving, &c. LYTTELTON. (Before W Donald, Esq., R.M.) Refusal of Duty and Using Abu ive Language. — Charles Johnston, seaman on b»ard the barque 'fell, was charged With this offence. Mr Nalder app.ared for complainant. Walter Hark Moir, chief officer, stated that he told the prisoner on Wednesday to get up the chain, and he refused to do so, but walked away and went down below. His conduct during the voyage was very bad. He was always cursing and swearing when he was ordered to do any work. On the 4th he used threatening language when ordered to brace up the yards. He said he would not; and added he would knock witness' brains out. By aeeustd. You only worked when you liked. You were half an hour after tbe other men had turned out before you came on deck. You were alw <s swearing. You refused to pump the ship and went below. Captain Charles Hook, sworn, said the accused is a seama». The mate has complained frequently to me about accused swearing at him. I often heard him swearing and abusing the mate. At one time I called all hands to shorten sail. It was half-an-hour afttr before the accused came on «ieck. Accused had complained about the c jok. They had the same meat on board and the same cookiug. By accused: You complainedabout thecuoking to me,and I spoke to the cook. John Myers, seaman, said the accused was in his watch. He never would turn out with the others. He heard the accused swearing at the mate, and also heard him threaten to hit him. Accused denied the charge, and askel that he might be allowed to bring witnesses. He was remanded until to-morrow for the production of the second mate and two seamen. Unregistered Dog.— A. Weastal) was charged with having an unregistered dog in his possession. Fined 20s, and 4s costs. civil case. Moreland v. Chapsian.— Claim, £35 Bs. Mr Nalder for plaintiff. £1 was tendered into Court. This was a claim for one-fourth share of the earnings of the ketch Jupiter, on her trip to Hokitika, Makapava, and back. After hearing the evidence, the Beach reserved its judgment, defendant to deposit £12 into Court, awaiting decision.