Magisterial.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 731, 26 September 1870, Page 3

Magisterial.

♦ CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. (Before C. C. Bowen, Es/4-, K.M.) Dbunkenness. — John Tish, a previous offender, on bail, answered to a charge of haring been drunk and incapable, which being proved by the apprehending constable, a fine of 20s was imposed. Disgraceful Conduct of a Husband. — Alfred Porter, who had before been charged with assaulting his wifa, was again brought up in custody for a repetition of the offence. Constable M'Guire said, on Saturday night, between 10 and 11 o'clock, he was sent to accused's house, where he found Mrs Porter sitting in a chair very ill. Accused and a girl were trying to bring her too, and Mrs Porter subsequently told him that accused came home about nine o'clock, when, after calling her very improper names, he strnek at her with a sheath knife as ahe was going through the passage. She stooped down to avoid the stab, and the knife stuck in the wall. She told witness she wai afraid accused would do her some serious injury, and witness then took him into custody. Accused was very violent whilst witness was in the house, creating a great noise, and shaping about with the knife produced. He said he had bought tbe knife that day and meant to do something with it. Sarah Ann Porter said she was tha wife of accused, who came home about nine o'clock on Saturday night, and, after calling her bad names, said he had come to murder her with the knife produced. Ada Terry, who was in the house at the time, corroborated this evidence, adding that accused was in liquor at the time, In reply to the Bench, Mrs Porter said Bhe was not at all afraid of her husband when not drunk. In defence, accused strongly denied the use of the knife as imputed to him. His Worship said he could have no doubt upon the point, and the case was a very serious one to deal with. Accused had previously been before the Bench for assaulting his wife, and there had been many reports of his drinking, and when it came to usiog a knife in the manner shown by the evidence, it was a matter for serious consideration what penalty should be imposed. He would be remanded until next day, in order that the Bench might fully consider what should be done. Accused applied to be released on bail, but his Worship said he could not possibly hear of it.