LYTTELTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4676, 21 June 1893, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

This Day. (Before R. Beetham, Esq., KM.) Alleged False Pretences.—John Donovan was charged with soliciting sub* ecriptions under false pretences, under the plea that he was collecting for the Seamen's Rest. Accused pleaded "Not Guilty." Evidence was given by Mesdames Webb and Lissaman to the effect that on Friday lust accused came to their houses in Dampier's Bay, and asked for. a penny as he was collecting small amounts to purchase a new set of billiard balls for the Seamen's Rest. He did not say he had been authorised by any of the officials. John Johnston, Manager of the Seamen's Rfiet. deposed that he Baw the accused at the Rest on Friday last. Accused had not been authorised to collect subscriptions on behalf of the Rest.- The billiard balls in use were old, but the Committee had arranged to procure another Bet. Accused elected to give evidence, and deposed that - he was at the Rest on Friday, and seeing that a new set of billiard balls was required decided to canvass for small subscriptions to get a set. Got 9d in Dampier's Bay on Friday, and another 2s 9d in Sydenham on Monday. Intended giving the money to the Manager. Had it in his pocket when arrested. His Worship said he had very little doubt as to what defendant intended : doing with the money, but as a doubt ' existed, he would get the benefit of it. The case would be dismissed. As, however, accused waß " wanted " on a warrant for wife desertion, for which he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, he was retained in custody. I Disobeying Lawful Commands.—Jatneß Fuit, Thomas Smith and C. Garragal, seamen on board the barqueEd ward Pembroke, were charged with continually and wilfully disobeyingorders. Mr Nalderappeared for Captain Jeffreys. The accused pleaded : "Not guilty. 1" Captain Jeffreys deposed that the accused refused to obey the mate's orders on Friday last, and had not worked since. The only reason they gave for refusing to work was that they wanted to be discharged from the ship. Witness refused to discharge , them, and they said they would give him 1 all the trouble they could. The man were shipped in Newcastle in April lasr, and the articles had about two and a half years to ( run. The chief and second officers corroborated the captain's evidence. . The accused were ordered to be sent to gaol for fourteen days. In the event of the ship j sailing before the expiration of the sentence i they are to be put on board. ! Judgment Summons.—J. Stinson v. J. 1 F. Ward, claim £63 10s, on judgment aummons. Mr Nalder appeared for plaintiff. The Clerk of the Court said he had just received a telegram from the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, to the effect that defendant had filed a declaration of insolvency. Mr Nalder contended that Buch an order did not protect the defendant in this case, as he was prepared to prove fraud. He suggested that evidence should be taken, and the arguments reserved for a future sitting of the Court. His Worship agreed to this course. John Stinson, the plaintiff, stated that he was managing owner of the steamer John Anderson, and had appointed J. F. Ward as agent of the steamer in Christchurch. Defendant's duty was to engage freight for the vessel. If he received any cash, his duty waß to pay the same to plaintiff. The ledger produced was kept by the debtor. It included an account aga: net J. F. Ward and Co., who appeared as debtors to the Company to the extent of £54 15a, shown as money received for freight, &c. In the civil action defendant confessed judgment. J. F. Ward, defendant, deposed that the ledger account showed that he was in debt to the Company to tho extent of £54 15s. The money had been put into his general business. Agents did nob keep a separate banking account for each ship or agency they conducted. His Worship adjourned the case to Monday, June 2C>, at Chrijtchurch, '

I Judgment by Default. — Lyttelton Borough Council v. S. Thompson, claim, 19a 6d for rates due. Judgment was given for plaintiffs by default.