CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 427, 27 September 1869, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

This Day. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) . Drunkenness. — James Smith pleaded guilty to having been drunk and incapable last night, but being his first appearance, lie was discharged with a caution. Fighting in the Streets. —John Young and John Ford, both on bail, were charged with having committed a breach of the peace in Colombo street on Saturday night. Constable O'Conner proved the offence, which Ford admitted, but Young denied, alleging that the former assau 1 ted him without having received the slightest provocation. The evidence showing, however, that both were fighting wben arrested, and under the influence of liquor, a fine of 20s each was imposed. Wife Beating. —Edmund M'Court was brought up in custody for having violently assaulted and beaten his wife. Complainant alleged that the prisoner had given way to drink, and frequently ill-used her. On the occasion for which she had given him into custody be came to her in a state of intoxication, tried to force money from her, and failing to do so, knocked her down and kicked her several times. Prisoner denied • that he was drunk, but Detective Feast, who arrested him, proved to the contrary. His Worship said prisoner's conduct was most unmanly and disgraceful in beating his wife because"she would not give him her earnings to squander in drink. There had been several complaints made to the Court before, and the Bench were much inclined to send prisoner before his Honor the Judge, under the new Lunacy Act, aa one irretrievably addicted to drink. Prisoner said he would promise to live apart from his wife if set at liberty, and would provide for her own and children's support. His Worship eaid complainant must have some better protection than this, and prisoner must either find sureties for keeping the peace—himself in £50, and two others in £25 —or have a legal deed of separation drawn up and signed. Prisoner said he could not find the sureties, and, having no other choice, would agree to the latter course. The parties then left th Court, in order to proceed to a solicitor, and the case was adjourned until to-morrow, when the progress made in the mean time towards a proper settlement is to be reported to the Bench.