MAGISTERIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5501, 28 February 1896, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH. Friday, Feb. 28. (Before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M.) . Alleged Laebikinism. — George Ingram was charged with having, on Feb. 27, behaved in a disorderly manner in Victoria Street ; having assaulted Constable Tonkin while in the execution of his duty, and having damaged Constable Tonkin's shako and badge to the value of 18s 6d. Accused pleaded "not guilty" to each charge. Constable Tonkin deposed that accused was a member of a gang of larrikins who congregated nightly in Victoria Street between the bridge and Salvation Army Barracks. Last night, about a quarterpast nine, about twenty members of the gang were on the bridge, and when witness went up to them accused, and others used abusive language, and behaved in a disorderly manner. Witness arrested accused, who turned, round and struck him, and damaged his shako. ', While accused was being taken to the policestation about thirty larrikins followed behind, and threw stoneß at witness. Three witnesses gave evidence to the effect that they had been subjected to considerable annoyance through a gang of between twenty and thirty larrikins as- ; sembling in Victoria Street, behaving in a disorderly manner- and using insulting language to passers-by. Last night a number, of these larrikins were on the bridge, and the accused used abusive language to the constable. Accused in defence said he was standing on Victoria Street Bridge about 9.20 p.m. on Thursday, taking to a gentleman named Hunt ; another man named Cameron was also present. Constable Tonkin came up, under the influence of liquor, and struck accused a blow on the face. The constable then arrested. accused. In reply to Sergeant* Major Mason, accused said he once belonged to. a "push" known as the "Madras Street Warriors." He did not belong to any "push" at present, and was not a member of the 'gang mentioned by the prosecutor. Sergeant-Major Mason said Constable Tonkin was perfectly sober when he left the Police Station at nine o'clock last night. Accused applied for an adjournment to enable him to call two witnesses, Hunt and Cameron. His Worship remanded accused till next day, Miscellaneous. — George Frederick Smith was fined ss, and costs, for allowing a horse to be grazed in Linwood, — John Napier was charged with failing to provide his six children with adequate means of support. Mr Russell appeared for the complainant. Defendant was ordered to pay Is 8d a week towards the support of each child.