Magistrate's Court.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XIV, Issue 65, 25 October 1911, Page 4

Magistrate's Court.

In the Magistrate's Court at Waimate on Tuesday lai-t, before Mr Thor. Hutchuon, S.M., the following business was transacted:

George Henry Johnston was charged that on Saturday last he was drunk in Shearman Street. He pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given by Constables Donovan and Pender for the prosscutinn, and by defendant on his own behalf. He made a statement to the effect that he was not drunk, but went to the station voluntarily to offer the Sergeant 20s towards his previous fine. A conviction was entered. Defendant was further charged with procuring liquor, being a prohibited person. H 9 pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Morgan said the man was not only drunk, tut in a filthy natural state, which was usual with him when drunk. Indeed, his condition wa=> abominablp. He was Convicted and fined £2 on tne second charge. A long list of previous convictions was held up by the Magistrate for the inspection of accused, remarking, "You see, the list will soon be filled.V Accused asked for time to pay the fine, and he was civen a week's grace on condition that he got away out of town at once.

BREACH OF THE PEACE. FIGHT ABOUT A PUPPY. Frank Godwin and W. H. Wills were charged on 9th October with using threatening behaviour whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned. Godwin did not appear. Wills (for whom Mr Perry appeared) pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Morgan said that Godwin had gore off to Afhburton. The dispute arose over the ownership or breeding of a pup, which Wills got possession of. Godwin triad to recover it from him, and they fell to fighting in the street.

George Thomas,* platelayer, Studholme Junction, said he saw Wills come round the corner of the Hotel, having a pup under his arm. Godwin made a eViatch at the pup and Wills snatched it back. Godwin hit Wills. and Wills retaliated, and moved backwards away from the blows of Godwin. Wills, whose arm was in a sling, fell to the ground, and Godwin kicked him while there. Witness told him he was a dirty cur. Cross-examined: Wills had an open knife in his hand at first, cutting tobacco, but closed it up and put it in his pocket,when asked to do bo. Wills had his arms up to protect himself, and struck out in self defence. - Alexander Waters, painter, gave evidence to the effect that Godwin was the aggressor. The information as against Wills was dismissed. ' Godwin was fined £1 and costs.