Kaiapoi R.M.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6832, 21 April 1890, Page 3

Kaiapoi R.M.

This Day. (Before C. Whitefoord, Esq., E.M.)

Bbeach op the Peace. — Harry Harper, B. Crawford, aud W. Dickie, jnn., were charged with creating a breach of the peace by fighting publicly on April 15, and Dickie was further charged with disturbing the Salvation Army on the same occasion. Mr M. Nalder appeared for Harper. The evidence taken was that of J. Harper, W. Paddle, and Joseph Soloman, members of the Salvation Army, from which it appeared that Dickie forced his way in whilst intoxicated, and that Harper struck Crawford outside. Constable Cartmill deposed to being called, and finding Dickie making a disturbance. Arrested him. He had been previously fined for like conduct. To Mr Nalder : Knew nothing against Harper. H. Harper deposed that on the evening in question, he had four whiskeys in less than one hour. It was the first time he had tasted spirits. His Worship considered Dickie the ringleader. He would be fined 30s, or ninety-six hours in default. The charges against Harper and Crawford would be dismissed with a caution.

Drunkenness. — For this offence, on the same occasion, H. Harper was fined 10s.

Education Act. — Archibald Gillis, James Clarke, and Edward Capil, were ordered in future to send their children regularly to schooL—Joseph Loveday, on a similar charge, stated that his boy was sent regularly, and charged the Bchool authorities with keeping an incorrect register. Mr Bean produced the register, giving thirty-eight attendances out of a possible ninety-seven. He did not keep the register. To defendant : Mistakes may occur, but not to the extent of the present case. The roll is not always called. Each teacher counted his or her class every morning, and if any were absent, ascertained who they were. This plan was preferable. Edith Howes, assistant teacher, deposed to young Loveday'a absence. She counted her cl&sb always, and personally ascertained the names before marking absent in the register. She had written to Loveday'B mother, and received explanatory answers. Whenever he was away two days, she sent notice to his parents, and spoke to him several times. Defendant said the roll should be called every day. He was certain his boy attended. The Bench had no doubt on the matter. Fined ss, and costs 2s, and ordered to send the boy regularly in future.

Civil Case. — Judgment was for plaintiffs in P. M. Wright v. J. O'Donnell (JBI 8s .lis), and H. Anderson v. H. Murfitt (£?), and an order in the latter case for possession of premises was made, to take effect in twenty-four hours.