CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3596, 20 October 1879, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

This Dat. (Before H.B: Webb and 0. G. Parker, fisqrs.) Dbxtkkkxkess. — Annie Wharton, an old offender, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.— Mary Ann Cook pleaded that she only left Addingtonon Friday, and meeting with some friends, sat down on a door- step. Sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour. — Vincenzo Stanno was charged with being drunk and disorderly at the railway-Btation, and also with using obscene language. The offences were proved by guard Eaaby. Accused, in reply, to the Bench, said he did not know he was drunk. A friend of accused having been sworn to act as interpreter, the evidence was repeated, and accused then pleaded in very good English that he "was tight." Fined 10s for being drunk, and 30s for using obscene language ; also ordered to pSy cost of cab, 2s.— James M'Gregor wag charged with being drank, and also with using obscene language in Colombo street, on Sunday morning. Accused said ho was unconscious of having used (he; language imputed to him. Fined 10s for being drunk, and 20s for using obscene language. — A. firet offender was cautioned and discharged. — Miles Ryan was fined 10s. Obscene Language. — Patrick Broderick was charged with having used obscene language in the hearing of a constable, in Colombo street, on Saturday afternoon. Mr O'NeiU appeared for the accused. It appeared that accused was 'being followed by a crowd o( boys, but the constable did not see any provocation given. On other occasions, accused had followed boys- about, having been noticed about the streets for several days. He had several times been warned to go away. Mr O'Neill said defendant intended to go up country that day to work ; there was no alternative but to admit the offence. Fined 10s.

Bbbach of the Peaob.— Robert Thompson, charged with committing a breach of the peace in view of a constable, pleaded guilty, and was fined 20a.

Labcknt. — Mary Ann Smith, alias M'Oartney, was charged with the larceny of two umbrellas, valued at ss, the property of Michael Marshall Wyatt. Accused said she was very sorry ; she would not have done such a thing if she had not been in drink. Inspector Hickson said accused must certainly have been in drink, for she stole the umbrellas from the front of the house, and immediately offered them for sale at the back door. Sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment with hard labour.

Bbk&ch of Licsnsikg Act. — William Collier, licenteo of tho White Swan Hotel, was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of liquors during prohibited hours. Sergeant Hughes deposed that at 1.5 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, he missed a constable from the beat. Suspecting that he was in tho hotel, he went io, being admitted by a man named Hickey, and found the constable in the bar parlour. The bar was op*n, but not lit up. Mr Thomas, who appeared for the defendant, asked a number of questions as to whether the landlord was present. Constable Williams deposed that as he was standing outside' the hotel some half-dozen peoplo came out. Hickey invited witness in to have some beer, stating that he was a lodger, and witness complied. Witness did not pay for the beer. This witness confirmed the statement of Sergeant Hughes that Bomeone, who appeared 'to be the landlord, was lying asleep on the sofa. To the Benoh : Witness did not see Hiokey pay for any drink. To Mr Thomas-.: fliokey is employed at the Railway sheds, and is a lodger in the house. Witness was asked to leave the house about five minutes before the sergeant came in. Could not say if tho landlord knew he wa9 there. To Inspector Hiokson : It was at 20 minutes past 12 witness saw a number of people coming out ot ;the house. . Inspector Mickson explained 'that the witness was giving evidence as a privato individual, not as a constable 5 for he absented himself from his beat, 1 -and had been punished for the offencc-r-Oharles Hickey deposed that the constable a&ed if he could get a drink, and followed witness in. The barman gave him a pint of beer, and tho constable entered inta conversation, -ahowiDg thorn his handcuffs and trying them on witness, and also showing them his staff. >He was not inclined to lleavo, and had another pint of beer, when tho barman requested 'him to leave. Mr Collier was lying on the eofa, and was present when witness had <tho -second pint of beer. Witness was osrtain Mr Collier saw the second pint served. The- door of tho bar " was gust closed, and tihe gas out." No money changed hands at aIL To Mr Thomas : The constable had since seen witness about tho matter, and expressed the hope ;that witness would not go hard againit him, or iho would be discharged. j-For the defence Mr Thomaß called the bur-] .man, George Eing, .who deposed that he! ,-c&lled Hickey & ifooiifer bringing tbe con-i (table in. Finding 'bun in tho passage, 1 wifeless " naturally gave him a pint of beer." The constable wa3 asked to go, and was itold that Sergeant Hqghea »wos outside, but he mid *"ifc was too thin-,; he was not to be , caught so easily." This witness «*■ serted that although Mr Collier was in the roovn when tho eeeond drink was served, ha was asleep. The defondant, on being sworn, deposed that great difficulty was experienced in the .endeavours to persuade ;lhe constable to leave, and that he (Mr Collier) did not Bee any drink served. He further deposed that tho place w«8 cleared, and the Louse closed at 11 o'clock. Tbe Benoh thought thai Mr Collier was responsible for the acts of his iarman. Mr Thomas called, attention to tho fact that t%e house was really closed, and that the constable was taken in by a bond fide lodger. He fluoted a parallel case reported in 'tie Australasian with tho view of showing that the licensee should not be held responsible. Inspector Hickson asked the Bench if they held the caso to bo proved, , to deal with tho offence leniently under the" very exceptional cirotttnetßncef which had been disclosed, Ho

might say that Mr Collier had alvraja conducted his house extremely well. The Bench took time to consider their, decision. Subsequently a floe of 40s was imposed, the' Bench remarking upon the impropriety of .giving drink to a constable in uniform. Charles Dunford,. licensee of theßoyal Hotel, was charged with having hia house open during prohibited houra — on Sunday, Oct. 12. Sergeant Hughes deposed that on the evening of the date named, at 9.45, lie found a number of men in. the hotel, and the bar open. A glass was standing on the half-door of the bar, but the constable did not see any drink partaken of. Albert Williams, baker, Tuam street, deposed that he was in the hotel on the occasion in question, and that Mr Dunford asked him to hare a drink. Fredk. Clark, hairdresser, Colombo street, gave corroborative evidence, stating that he went there fo engage a bed, and had a glass of beer. He wai a married man, and went there fo get a : bed because he. chose to do so. He did not sleep in the hotel that night. The beer was given to tvitnees j he gaw~ no money chaDgo hands. To accmed : Went away from the hotel with the intention of going back and sleeping there. The Bench said they must dismiss the case. ■Unregistered Dog. — Michael Hargin, charged with having an unregistered dog in his possession, was fined ZOi. James Jones was also fined 20a. Cattik Trespass.— John Withelli for permitting four head of cattle to wander at large, was fined 10s. Daniel Macfarlane was fined 63, and costs 7s. George Ell, H. M* Alpine, John Gkmiersall, John Cuff, A. Wright, John Campbell, W. Bowden, W. White, John Dewy, W.' W.ells.rJohn Mullins, and Charles Gasson were eacS fined 5s and CO9IS. Aidihg and Abetting. — Alfred Godfrey Saunders, who had been arrested and subsequently released on bail, appeared in. answer to a charge of "aiding, abetting, counselling and procuring ono Edward James to forge ft deed of conveyance at Christ church, on -March 28, 1879." Mr Thomas, who appeared for tho accused, stated that as the offence was alleged to have been committed in Christchurch, he would ask the Bench to grant a remand for two days, in Christchurch, with a view of the other persons concerned being brought here also. The evidence must be obtained here, the all'ged offence having been committed here, -and ' with regard to the question as to whether the accused could do any injury by beiDg at largo, by obtaining possession of a certain document; he (Mr Thomas) had already pledged himself to tho police, and would now pledge himself to the Bench, that any document which was in his possession ab the time of the' arrest of the accused, should so remain, and further that the document should not bo produced in any way. He might say that he was prepared to offer substantial bail, and that Mr Joynt had been retained to appear on Wednesday morning. Inspector Hickson asked for a remand until the following day, pending the arrival of the warrant from Timaru, and he submitted that it w.ould be beyond the power of the Bench to remand the prisoner elsewhero than to Timaru, following the indication of the warrant. The Bench questioned whether the Timaru warrant could not be cancelled, and a new one issued. Mr Thomas submitted that in this case great injury might be dono to an innocent man by sending him away. The Bsnch decided to remand the accused until Wednesday morning, admitting him to bail as before, himself in the sum of £500, and two sureties in the sum. of £250 each. '