CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3485, 12 June 1879, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

Tniß Dat.

(Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.. and Caleb

Whitofoord, Esq., R.M.)

Dbunkbnnbss.— Two first offenders were finod 5s ouch $ Charles Brown, an old offender, was finod 20s.

Vaqbanoy.— Annie Wharton was sent to gaol for throo months with hard labour on a chargo of vagrancy. j Labobnt of Tools— J. Webb Ablett was brought up on remand, oharged with stealing carpenters' tools valued afc £1 2s 6d, the property of J. Plank. Tho oaso had been remaudod for the production of some missing tools, and theso were now produced. Prisoner eaid ho had taken the tools under the belief that Mr Plank gave him permission to use them. Mr Walkor, Clerk to the Oourt, Mr Christie, confectioner, and others, came voluntarily forward and spoke in high terms of the accused's previous character. MrWhitefoord said that the prisoner having borne a very high character made it tho more painful forhim to deal with a case of the kind. If he sent him to prison the good character be hao. boruo for iiftom years or moro, would bo irretrievably gone. Ho thought, undor the circumstances, he would be justified in dismissing the information, aftor piving accused a very strong caution. His Worship then informed prisoner tbat the offence was one for which he could bo sent to trial, and reoeivo four years' hard labour, and hoped tho circumstances in which he now found himself, would act as a warning which would never be forgotten. Accused was then discharged,