CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4506, 3 October 1882, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

Tnis Day. (Before J. Ollivior, Esq., 8.M., and B. Westenra, Ksq.) Dbunken nkss.— Edward Williams, Thomas Richards, and John Thompson, offenders who had not been before the Bench for some months past, were fined Ss eaoh, and the same fine was imposed on three first offenders. — Bllen Thompson— her fourth conviction this year — was sent to gaol for a month. A Vagbanx Thief.— George Moslin waa charged, on remand from the preceding day, with having no lawful moans of support, and further, with stealing from the person of W. Lyall a purse oontaining £8, and two photos, on September 27 last, at Ohristchurch. Sergeant Mason, with tho Bench's permission, withdrew the first charge. _ His Worship said that the charge not being oue of simple larceny could not be dealt with summarily under the new Justices of the Peace Act. William Lyall said he was a dairy farmer of Pigeon Bay. He came to Ohristchurch on Monday September 25. Saw the prisoner on tho following night. Had not known him previously. On Wednesday morning was in prisoner's company in the City Hotel, paid for some drinks for him. Saw him again at 11 a.m. Had a pocket-book with £8 or more in it, and also two photoa and sonse receipts. Prisoner might have seen the money as witness opened the pocket-book and showed him the photos. Was in a private room with prisoner. Was in the act of putting the pooket-book into the breastpocket when prisoner said, "Stop, you're likely to lose that," and put hie hand up. Witness allowed prisoner to put his hand to the breast pocket. Very soon after, about five minutes, prisoner disappeared and then witness missed his pocket book. Witness was in a good enough state. Had been drinking, but was steady enough to do business. Went out to look for prisoner, but oould not find him that day. On the following morning (Thursday) saw prisoner at the Golden Fleece Hotel. Witness sat down beside prisoner, who immediately rose up and walked out. Witness followed, aaw a constable, who referred him to another constable. Subsequently overtook prisoner, who denied that ho knew witness. The witness described his wanderings in search of prisoner at length. Saw him go to the Southern Hotel, and did not Bee him again till he was in custody. To Priaonor : Had shown the portraits to others besides prisoner on Tueaday, Sept. 25. Did not tell priaoner on Wedneaday that he had lost his pocket book on Tuesday. The prisoner asked several questions which tended to corroborate the witness* statements. James Jackson, a " traveller," residing in Armagh street, saw the prosecutor last Wednesday morning in the City Hotel, just before 11 a.m. prisoner alone was in his oompany. Saw them go to a private room together. Next morning, about 7o'clock, saw prosecutor walking behind priaoner. The former inquired where he could find a policeman, saying, as he pointed to prisoner, " That man robbed me of eight notes in the City Hotel." Prisoner went to the Southern Hotel. Prosecutor afterwards came up ; he and witness looked inside and prisoner was gone. J. H. Leek, a servant in the Southern Hotel, gave corroborative evidence with regard to prisoner and prosecutor being at tbe Southern Hotel on Thursday morning. The prisoner waß in a hurry to leave the houßO. John Weston said he saw the prison hurrying away from the Southern Hotel, and run down George street about 7 a.m. on Thursday. Detective O'Connor stated that about 5 p m. on Sunday last he had found the priaoner in a garret over Taylor, the dyer's ahop, in Colombo street. Told him he was wanted for robbing Lyall. Prisoner replied, '-So they say." Found la on prisoner, and arrested him on a charge of vagrancy. William Mohr, boots at the City Hotel, gave corroborative evidence. On the Tuesday evening referred to, after witness had made a remark to Lyall, prisonor said, " What do you want to tell him to put his pocket book into his pocket for ; do you tbink I want to rob tbe man ?" Prisoner having been duly cautioned, called Goorge Maßon, who did not appear. He then enquired if hia Worship would deal with the case summarily if he (prisoner) withdrew his former plea of " Not Guilty." His Worship replied in tho negative, and the prisoner was committed to take his trial at ths next criminal sessions. Disobeying Ordbb.— James Spiers was accused of disobeying an order of tho Court to pay 5s per week for tho support of his father, David Spiers. Defendant had paid £1 into Court. He also was contributing to tbo support of his mother, aud wished that the amount of the order might be reduced. The esse was adjourned for 14 dare. CIVIL CASES. Judgment by Default.— Judgment was given for the plaintiff, by default, in the following cases for the amount stated, with costs:— Nedwill v. Lunnon, claim £2 2a; Moir v. Rugg, claim £13 6* ld ; Wilson v. Doody, claim £1 ; Hobday and Co. v. Oawin, claim £4 6s ; Bydenham Borough Oouncil v. Letford, claim £4 17s lld; and Thomaß and Bruges v. Ferguson, claim £112 a. MiscBLLANKore .— Patrick v. Shuker, claim £2 sp, for medical attendance. Plaintiff produced his books in support of bis claim, but defendant, supported by his wife and daughter, assorted that tho number of attendances wors much leas than thoae claimed for. The Bench rolied on the written testimony, and gavo judgment for tbe amount claimed with costs.— Thomas and Bruges v. Eaxlo, claim £5 ss, for legal churges ; and j samo v. Mayne, claim £1 ls. — Janson j v. Tiacb, claim £2 10b, for farm labour done. Mr Blood for plaintiff. Defendant disputed the claim as excessive. Evidonce was taken which showod the reasonableness of the claim and judgment was given for the iimonnt claimed with coats — Dornoy v. Bartlett, claim £1 8s 6d. Mr St-inger for plaintiff. Plaintiff had sold a horso to defendant for £1, and subsequently tho purchaser wished to return it, but plaintiff would not receive possession. Plaintiff delivered coal to the dofendir.t that made up tho amount claimed. Defendant alleged that the hoi so was no übo to him, and tho bargain was that payment was only to follow if the horse suited him. Judgment for plaintiff with costs.— Mason, Struthors and Co. v. Reod, claim £2 13s 9d, for twine supplied. Defondaut stated that he had obtained the twino for his master, Mr Tuscotl. Plaintiff was nonsuited, with coatß. — Doj lev. Nott, claim £1, for medical attendance. Judgment for plaintiff, with costs. — Judgment was givon for plaintiff iv Johnston v. Jiionde, rluim £3 17« i fid, and Lane v. Greenrod, claim £1 4s 8d. — The caie of Oollier v.Stcßm was adjourned lothofollowing day ; Millton v. Hale, adjournod to Oct. 10 ; Thomas and Bruges v. Mackay, adjournod to Oct. 17.