MAGISTERIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5054, 15 July 1884, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

I CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. (Before R. Beethain, Esq., R.M., R. Westenra, and H. J. Hall, Esqs.) Stealing Pioeons. — Albert Lock, William Pepper, Joseph Lewis, and William Spanger, four boys, were accused of stealing pigeons belonging to various persons. Mr Austin appeared for the accused, and obtained a remand till Thursday next to enable him to obtain evidence. Stealing from a till. — Frederick Saxton, a boy 13 years of age, was charged with stealing 3s, the property of James Robinson. Accused admitted the offence. On the day previous he had been seen to take the money from the till of Mr Robinson's shop, Victoria street. Inspector Pender said that the boy was beyond the control of his mother, who was a widow ; he had recently been in company with a very bad lot of boys. The boy's mother corroborated the Inspector's statement. The Bench ordered accused to be whipped, and then sent to Burnham till he was 15 years of age, A Night Prowler. — James Dungan was accused of having been drunk on the previous night, and with having been on the premises of William H. Sykes with intent to commit a felony on July 12. He denied the charges. Mr Sykes said that at one o'clock on the night of Saturday last, he heard footsteps in the passage outside his house. He looked out and saw accused in the wash-house with a light in his hand. Ran out and followed accused, who made off. Came up with him and asked what he wanted. He was flurried, and replied he came to pick up what he could get. Witness was not able to detain him. This was the second time accused had been there. Subseqxiently witness missed a coat from his premises. Detective O'Connor had found the prisoner in the town drunk last night, and arrested him. He had only just finished a sentence for stealing books. He now denied that he had gone to Mr Sykes' house with any felonious intent, and said he only wanted a drink of water. Sentenced to twelve months' hard labour. Vagrancy. — Alfred White admitted that he had no lawful means of support. He is a cripple, and Mr March undertook to make some arrangements for his welfare. Sheepstealing. — Joseph Hurrell was charged with this offence, which is alleged to have been committed in the Hororata district. Mr Joyce appeared for the accused. Inspector Pender Baid that he thought the case could be most conveniently heard in Christchurch, and to enable the witnesses to be present, the accused was remanded to Friday next. Discharged. — Alfred Ottaway was charged with deserting from the barque Langstone. Accused said he had never been aboard a ship as a sailor in his life. Inspector Pender said he was not prepared to show that accused was the man wanted, though he answered the description given. Accused was discharged. Civil Cases. — Fleming v. Triggs and Francis, claim .£8 ls 6d for services as musical, conductor. Defendants were the Managing Committee of the Bohemians, a company of amateurs who have frequently given performances for philanthropic purposes, but in March last three entertainments were given in the Theatre Royal for the benefit of the members, which unfortunately resulted in a loss. Plaintiff was employed as musical conductor for the troupe, and claimed to be paid for his services at these three entertainments. For the defence it was contended that Mr Fleming was a member of the troupe, which, being a sort of quasi partnership, he should bear his share of loss. It appeared, however, that a resolution had been passed by the members to pay plaintiff extra for every concert not followed by a ball. Judgment for £7 16s, and costs £2 10s. —Judgment was given for plaintiff by default in the cases of Property Tax Commissioner v. Goodman, claim 13s 3d ; same v. Howe and Co., claim .£3 4s 7d j same v. Maher, claim £2 13s sd; same v. Marshall Bros and Buckley, claim .£8 15s 8d; same v. Martin, claim .£1 ls 8d; same v. J. Smith, claim £3 18s 9d ; Guise v. M'CardelL claim £5 15s; Taylor v. Bowern, claim .£l2 9s lid; Tindale v. Grote, claim £2.— The cases of Property Tax Commissioner v. Collier, and Rosewarne v. Rowe were adjourned to July 22.