Magisterial.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 338, 14 June 1869, Page 2

Magisterial.

: ♦ CHRISTCHUECH. Th.'s Day. (Before J. Ollirier, Esq.) Drunkenness. — James Stodart, on bail, answered to a charge of having been drunk and disorderly in High street, on Saturday eTening. Constable Halloran proved to seeing accused greatly annoying Mr Hart, and to having considerable difficulty in conveying him to the lock-up. Accused said he knew nothing whatever of the event, but expressed his contrition for anything which he might have done wrong. Being his first appearance, the Bench decided to dismiss the case, but administered a suitable reprimand. Henry Wright, on bail, admitted having been drunk and incapable on Saturday night ; but the apprehending constable stating that he was perfectly quiet, and as he had not previously been before the Bench, he was dismissed with a salutary caution. Martin Hayes, who was also brought up for the first time, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly on Saturday; but on expressing his contrition, was discharged with a caution. Sheep Stealing. — John Stacey was brought up in custody, charged with this offence. Inspector Pender applied for a remand, as the police bad not been able to get; all the evidence ready. Prisoner was only brought to town on Saturday from the Malvern Hills, and the distance being so great, it had been impossible to communicate with the witnesses. Mr Cottrell, who appeared for prisoner, offered no objection to this, but requested that bail might be accepted for the appearance of his client, so that he might have proper facilities for preparing his defence. Inspector Pender objected to such a course, on the ground that one of the witnesses was in prisoner's employ, and might be tampered with if prisoner was set at liberty. The Bench, in face of this, declined to allow bail, and selected to hear sufficient preliminary evidence to justify a remand: Constable John Mullins said : Acting on instructions, he went in search of prisoner on Friday, and saw him take a horse at I the ' Selwyn railway station and ride away in the direction of Hororata, where he resides. Witness also took a horse and followed, but arrived at Hororata first. He found Mr C. Cordy (the prosecutor) and a Mrs Barker there. He took a spade, and digging at a spot near the house, found the sheepskin produced, bearing tbe prosecutor's brand. When prisoner returned, witness took him into custody, and cautioned him in the usual manner. Prisoner, in reply, said he knew that he had killed one of Mr Cordy's sheep, and buried the skiu, but it wag because he saw the dogs worrying it. Prisoner was remanded until Wednesday next.