MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16848, 26 September 1922, Page 8

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

CHRISTCHURCH. TO-DAY’S CASES, Tfcv-day’s sitting of the Magistrate 5, Court was presided over by Mr H. Y. Widdowson. S. M. DR UNK ENNESS. "William Herbert Vincent, second offender. was fined 20s. in default three days’ imprisonment. A statutory offender was fined 10s. in default twenty - four hours’ imprisonment. PRIVILEGES OF BOARDERS. John Farrer and Frank Needham pleaded not guilty to being found m the Rotherfield Hotel after hour®. Both, defendants were represented by Mr M. J. Greason. Police evidence showed that the drinks were bought for the men by ;i lodger. M;r Gresson said that undler a recent decision of Mr Justice Chapman there was no case to answer. A lodger, it had been held, had a right to treat his guests. 'Phe Magistrate: Even if they have been found on licensed premises? Further reference to the decision showed that the case in which the deci sion had been given was one of gelling liquor after hours and of keeping licensed premises open. The Magistrate: That is different. These men were found on licenced premises, and if they were there to get a meal they should have left after a reasonable time after obtaining the meal. 'Phe onus is on defendants to show that they did not remain for an illegal purpose. Sub-Inspector J. K. Simpson said that the Act would become a farce if every boarder were allowed to treat his friends after hours. The Magistrate : ft does not take much to make a man a guest ! Replying to the Magistrate. Mr Gresson said that the decision of Mr Justice Chapman had been given on September 7 at New Plymouth. It had not. been reported yet. The Magistrate: .There is already plenty of law on the. subject. I will look into the matter. The cases were held over in the meantime. MAINTENANCE CASES. John Alexander Barber was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment nnlese he paid 30s a week for the support of Annie Louisa Barber. Cec ; l Stewart Bid well was ordered t.o pay costs for failing to maintain his wife. Henry John Eden was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for disobeying a maintenance order in favour of Alice Eden. Ellen Ann Collins (Mr W. F. Tracy) was granted maintenance and separation orders against Edward George Collins on the ground of persistent cruelty. Maintenance was fixed at the rate of 30s a week. Charles Arthur Kirk was adjudged the father of an illegitimate child and was ordered to pay costa.