MAGISTERIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5860, 30 April 1897, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL.

CHRISTCHTJRCH. Friday, April 30. ' (Before Mr G. Tombs, J.P., and Mr J. M. Thompson, J.P.) Drunkenness. — Two first offenders were fined ss, or forty-eight hours' imprisonment, j Prohibition Order. — On her own application, a prohibition order was issued against a woman, to take effect in Christchurch and the surrounding districts. Assault Cases. — A charge against W. M. de Weston of having assaulted his wife was adjourned. — Nathaniel Thomas and John Vivian Sincock were charged with having assaulted Charles D. Scott, at Sydenham, on April 24. Mr Donnelly appeared for the defence. Charles D. Scott, storekeeper, deposed that at a quarter" to ten on the above night he was watching the front of his shop, and saw defendant Sincock interfering with his goods. Witness remonstrated, whereon accused dabbed a tomato in his face, and then savagely assaulted him with his fists. Defendant Thomas followed Sincock up, and afforded him moral support, though he did not commit any actual violence. To Mr Donnelly: Was very much hurt; did not think Mr Donnelly would like similar treatment. Did not hit defendant Sincock across the eyes with a stick. Struck at Sincoek's head with a stick after receiving the second blow. Sincock knocked down a bystander who remonstrated. Several witnesses were examined, and Mr Donnelly addressed the Bench. The defence was that Sincock did not strike Scott until Scott had struck him with a stick. The Bench held that a serious assault had been committed. To mark .their disapproval of defendant's conduct, Sincock would be fined £5 and costs, or .£6 12s in all, (half the fine to go to Scott) or in default one month's imprisonment. Thomas was fined 5s for countenancing such a cowardly assault. — Thomas Brunsden and William Hayes were charged with having assaulted John R. Duncan on April 17 at the terminus of the Lincoln Road tram. Mr Stringer prosecxxted, and Mr Donnelly appeared for Brunsden. The evidence of J. R. Duncan showed that there was a mob of larrikins in the tramcar on the evening of the above date, some of whom pulled the tram-guard about roughly. Witness tried to act the part of peace-maker, but- was roughly assaulted. Dr Diamond gave medical evidence as to the injuries received by the last witness, the bridge of whose nose had been broken. Mr Donnelly, in addressing tho Bench, contended that there had been no disturbance in the tram car sufficient to cause complaint. Mr Duncan had elected to get into an altercation with Hayes, and instead of avoiding a qtiarrel, like a prudent man, invited Hayes to come across the street and settle matters. After further evidence, the Bench said they were determined to put down this larrikinism, which was becoming too ,common; the defendants would be fined £2 each, and share the costs between them, or .£3 16s apiece. Mr J. M. Thompson wished to call attention to the fact of the tramway companies employing boys as guards on Saturday nights instead of men. It was absurd to suppose that the witness who had appeared before them was competent to take charge of a tram. Mr Stringer concurred in Mr Thompson's remarks. .