CHARGE OF STEALING MONEY—At the Wellingborough Police-court, on Friday, Feb. 20th, before H. M. Stockdale, Esq., in the chair; and Spencer Pratt, Esq., Alfred A. Clayton was charged with stealing 6s. 6¼d., belonging to Wm. Cheney, at Rushden, on the 15th inst.
No evidence was offered against the accused, and he was accordingly discharged.

Jeremiah Rice, of Rushden, was summoned for being drunk and riotous at that place on the 2nd inst.
Defendant was fined 5s., and 10s. 6d. costs.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions-FRIDAY, APRIL 30.
Before R. Orlebar, H. H. Green, J. Martyn, and L. G. Stileman Gibbard, Esqs.

DRUNK AND INCAPABLE—Edward Ebenezer Evans, of Rushden, shoemaker, was charged by Supt. Carruthers with having been found drunk and incapable on the highway at Sharnbrook, on the 26th inst.
Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. costs.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions-FRIDAY, APRIL 30.
Before R. Orlebar, H. H. Green, J. Martyn, and L. G. Stileman Gibbard, Esqs.

CRUELTY TO A MARE—Edwin Chettle, Rushden, dealer, was charged by Inspector Ford, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with cruelty to a mare, at Wymington, on the 11th ult.
Fined £1, and 11s. 6d. costs.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, APRIL 30.
Before R. Orlebar, H. H. Green, J. Martyn, and L. G. Stileman Gibbard, Esqs.

GAME TRESPASS—Jeremiah Rice, John Dickens, Thomas Sargent, Thomas Harris, John Laughton, John W. Roberts, and Charles Goodliffe, all of Rushden, shoemakers, were charged by Samuel Woodham, of Swineshead, gamekeeper, with trespassing in search of game, at Melchbourne, on the 24th ult.
Rice, Sargent, Harris, Laughton, and Goodliffe were fined £1 7a. 6d., each, and Dickens and Roberts £1 17s. 6d. each.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, MAY 14TH
Before H. Stockdale, Esq., in the chair; and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Drunkenness—For being drunk, at Rushden, on the 29th ult., Wm. Thompson, of Rushden, was fined 5s. and costs, 9s. 6d.

A Caution To Bicyclists—Alfred Linnett, of Rushden, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a lamp, between Rushden and Wellingborough, on the 29th inst.
P.C. Tack proved the case.
The defendant said he did not know he was committing any offence; he used a lamp all last season.
The Bench dismissed the case on payment of costs, 7s.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, MAY 14TH
Before H. Stockdale, Esq., in the chair; and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, MAY 14TH.
Before R. Orlebar, and L. G. Stileman Gibbard, Esqs.

The Game Laws—Jeremiah Rice, shoemaker, of Rushden, was charged by Frederick Woodham, labourer, of Swineshead, with trespassing in search of game, at Swineshead, on the 12th ult.
The case was dismissed.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions – Friday June 25th.
Before Lord St. John and Jno. Martyn, Esq.

The Education Act—John Wesley, of Hinwick, labourer, was charged by William Packwood, of Rushden, school attendance officer, with non-compliance with an order made by the magistrates, respecting his child, Alma. —He was fined 2s. 6d.

He was further charged with a similar offence in regard to his child, John, and was ordered to comply with the Act.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, AUGUST 20th.
Before R. Arkwright, Esq., in the chair; and Spencer Pratt, Esq.

ASSAULT—Baker Denton, of Rushden, was summoned for assaulting James Willmott, of Higham Ferrers, at Rushden, on the 10th inst.

The prosecutor and P.C. Tack were called for the prosecution, and Thos. Coleman, Wm. Warren, and Walter Denton for the defence.

The Bench considered that the charge was proved, but said that complainant had given defendant a good deal of provocation, and they decided to dismiss the case on payment of costs.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, OCT. 1ST.
Before F. U. Sartoris, Esq., in the chair; and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Drunkenness—Wm. Gilbert, of Rushden, for being drunk at that place on the 11th of August last, was fined 2s. 6d., and costs, 15s.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, OCT. 8TH.
Before H. M. Stockdale, Esq., in the chair ; and Spencer Pratt, Esq.

NON-PAYMENT OF RATES
Bailey Mortimer, of Rushden, was summoned for non-payment of poor rates, amounting to £2 2s., the 31st July last. Defendant was ordered to pay, but was allowed a week to find the money.

Bruce Tomlinson, Rushden, was charged, with a similar offence in Dec., 1879, and was also ordered to pay the money.

Ralph Dearlove, Higham Ferrers, was summoned a similar offence, and a similar order to the above was made. Thompson Wyldes, Rushden, was summoned for non-payment of arrears of lighting rate, amounting to the sum of £1.

Mr. Parker appeared for the defendant, and objected that Mr. Hewitt was only the assistant overseer, and that he ought not to have laid the information or taken out the summons. After the Bench had deliberated, the case was led for three weeks.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions FRIDAY, OCT. 15th
Before Lord St. John, L. G. S. Gibbard, and E. S. Watson, Esqrs.

Game Trespass—Joseph Harry Parish, shoemaker, of Rushden, Henry Baxter, labourer, of Caldecot, and Joseph Kitchener, shoemaker, of Rushden, were charged by Samuel Woodham, gamekeeper, of Swineshead, with shooting two hares, at Swineshead, on the 9th inst.

They each pleaded guilty, and were fined—Parish and Baxter £2, and 8s. 6d. costs each, and Kitchener £2 10s., and 10s. 6d. costs.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions FRIDAY, OCT. 15th
Before Lord St. John, L. G. S. Gibbard, and E, S. Watson, Esqrs.

Fowl Stealing—Joseph Harry Parish, and Henry Baxter, were charged by Supt. Carruthers with entering a hen-roost at Yelden, on the night of the 9th inst., and stealing therefrom ten fowls to the value of 16s.,the property of Thomas Sparkes, farm bailiff, of Silverston.

The principal witness was John Charles, labourer of Yelden, who said that on the previous Saturday night he and the two prisoners went to the fowl-house and killed several fowls, which the two prisoners took away in a bag.

The prisoners said that Charles killed the fowls, and had them.

Prisoners were committed to prison for six weeks.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, OCT. 29th.
Before H. M. Stcockdale, Esq., in the chair; J. ..., Esq., and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Unprovoked Assault—Wm. Layton, of Rushden, was charged with assaulting Mr. Wm. Whitehead, farmer, of Wollaston, on the 6th inst.

Mr. Heygate appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Halliley for the defendant.

It appears that complainant was going towards Wollaston on the night in question, when he met the defendant and two other men coming towards Wellingborough. They were on the wrong side of the road, and complainant called out to them once, but they did not take any notice. He called out a second time, and the defendant when he was about opposite complainant's vehicle, pulled on one side, and, as he was going away, struck the complainant a violent blow with a whip.

Mrs. Whitehead corroborated her husband's statement.

Mr. Halliley called Albert Laughton for the defence, who said that the defendant was on the right side of the road, and that the blow struck was not a severe one.

Defendant was fined £1 and 11s. 6d. costs.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, OCT. 29th.
Before H. M. Stcockdale, Esq., in the chair; J. ..., Esq., and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Non-Payment of Rates—Thomson Wyldes, Rushden, was summoned for non-payment of a Lighting Rate, amounting to £1 9s. 10d.

Mr. Parker appeared for the defendant, and the case was dismissed.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, NOV. 12TH.
Before H. M. Stockdale Esq., in the chair; and Spencer Pratt, Esq.

A DESERTER—Henry Brooks, Rushden, was charged with deserting from the Militia on the 31st of May last.

Colr.-Sergt. Gibson proved the case, and defendant, who pleaded guilty, said he was at Birmingham at the time the drill took place, and did not know that he had to go until a fortnight after the time.

Defendant was fined 40s. and in default was sent to prison for two months.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions-FRIDAY, DEC. 3RD.
Before F. U. Sartoris, Esq., in the chair; J. Esq., R. Arkwright, Esq., and Spencer Pratt.

Embezzlement at Rushden—John Jayes, a soldier, was charged with embezzling four pairs of boots, at Rushden, on the 30th ult., the property of Mr. Geo. Denton.

Mr. W. Hirst Simpson appeared for the prosecution.

The prisoner was employed by the prosecutor as shoe finisher, and had four pairs of boots given him to finish, the value of which was 30s. He received the boots in August last, and had not returned them since. The prisoner was apprehended by Inspector Nash, at Northampton, and when charged with the offence he said, "Do you think Mr. Denton would let me off if I paid for the boots?"

Mr. Simpson said the prosecutor did not wish to press for severe punishment.

The prisoner was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

Alleged Indecent Assault by a Police-Constable at Rushden
John Tack, police-constable, stationed at Rushden, was charged with indecently assaulting Elizabeth Cox, wife of Ebenezer Cox, landlord of the New Inn, Rushden.

Mr. Heygate appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Jackson for the defendant.

Elizabeth Cox said: On Monday morning, the 22nd Nov., my husband left home at 20 minutes past 1; with four other men; the defendant knew that he was going out. When my husband got into the cart he called to me to come and fasten the front door, and when I went to do so I saw the defendant standing about ten yards away. When he saw me he came back to the door and followed me into the house. I then had some brandy, and asked Mr. Tack to take some, which he did, and we stood talking together for about five minutes. He then put his arms round me and kissed me several times. I pushed him on one side and opened the front door, hoping he would go out, but he "pulled me about worse still," unbuttoning his coat, and interfering with my clothing. I told him to be quiet several times, as my daughter would hear him, and as he was going away he told me not to go to bed, and if the man returned with the trap before he (Tack) came back not to keep him in the house. I made no reply, and he went away. I secured all the doors in the house, but did not go to bed, as I did not consider it safe to do so. About 40 minutes afterwards I heard someone rattling at the front door, and then at the back door, and in two or three minutes afterwards I heard someone on the stairs. I was very frightened and woke my two daughters, and talked to them very loudly. A quarter-of-an-hour afterwards the man with the trap returned, and I asked him to come into the house. I complained to him of the way in which I had been treated, and asked him to stay with me until the morning. About a quarter past 6 in the morning the defendant came to the house and remained about a quarter of an hour. As soon as my husband returned home I told him what had occurred. The defendant had been in the habit of coming to the New Inn daily, but he never insulted me before, and no improper conversation has ever taken place between us. On the night of the assault two Italians slept at the house.

Cross-examined by Mr. Jackson: I am 33 years old, and have had eight children. I do not remember making a similar charge to that I make against Mr. Tack against Mr. Sargent, and I swear I did not make a similar charge against one of Dr. Starling's assistants. My husband has been convicted in this court on the complaint of the defendant. Mr. Tack and I both drank brandy out of the same glass. The assault upon me occupied about two minutes. I "kept master of him," or I should have called out for assistance. I did not call to the Italians to help me, because I could not make them understand, and I did not complain to my children that Mr. Tack had insulted me. When Tack came to the house in the morning I spoke to him in a friendly way; I thought I would be guided by my husband as to the proceedings I should take against him. My mother is in the asylum.

Re-examined by Mr. Heygate: If I was to die this moment I have never made a charge of this sort against any other man.

John Whitehead said: I am a shoemaker, living at Rushden. On the morning of the 22nd Nov. I went with Mr. Cox, and four others, to the Midland Railway Station, at Wellingborough. The defendant was in the New Inn just before I left at half-past one; I returned at a quarter-past three, and saw Mrs. Cox leaning out of the bed-room window. She told me to come into the house as quickly as I could, and when I got inside I noticed that her hair was ruffled, and that she appeared to be frightened. In consequence of what she said, I remained with her until the morning.

Naomi Cox having been examined, Ebenezer Cox, her father, the landlord of the New Inn, was called. He stated; that in consequence of the statement his wife made to him he gave information to the police. This being the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Jackson addressed the Bench in the defendant's behalf observing that he was instructed to deny the charge in toto; it had been trumped up by the complainant out of a feeling of revenge she entertained towards the defendant, and was false from beginning to end.

Supt. Bailie was called and gave Tack an excellent character.

The magistrates retired to consider their decision, and upon returning into court the Chairman said the Bench had decided to commit the defendant to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions. The justices felt that they would be consulting the cause of real justice by taking that course, because if his innocence were established at Quarter Sessions it would be so much more satisfactory to the defendant, than it would be to him to have the case dismissed at this court.

Bail was accepted for the defendant's appearance, himself in £10, and two sureties of £5 each.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, JAN.
Before F. U. Sartoris, Esq., in the chair; and Spencer Pratt, Esq.

Talkatively Drunk
A middle-aged woman, named Margaret Griffiths, was charged with being drunk, at Rushden, on the 26th inst.

P.C. Onan proved the case, adding that he was obliged to lock the prisoner up, because she was causing a disturbance, and refused to go away when requested to do so; she said she would prefer to lie down on the ground.

The prisoner said she was “talkatively drunk”, not incapable.

The Chairman said he happened to be passing when the accused was making a disturbance she appeared to him to be as drunk as a woman could be.

The prisoner was fined 2s. 6d., and 5s. 6d. or the alternative of seven days' imprisonment. She was locked up.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions-FRIDAY, FEB. 11TH.
Before F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), and Joseph Hill, Esq.

Disorderly Conduct at Rushden
Edwin Chettle (who made default), and Charles Goodliffe, of Rushden, were charged with being disorderly, and refusing to quit the Wheat Sheaf Inn, at Rushden, on the 29th ult.

Samuel Herbert, the landlord, and P.C. Onan proved the case, and the defendant Goodliffe, who had been previously convicted, was fined 15s., and 14s. 6d. costs. A warrant was taken out against Chettle.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, FEB. 18TH.
Present: H. M. Stockdale, Esq., in the chair; and Spencer Pratt, Esq.

Drunkenness
William Robinson, for being drunk at Wellingborough, on the 7th inst., was fined 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs.

Larceny
Wm. Pettit, of Rushden, was charged with larceny, as bailie, by stealing a sewing machine, at Wollaston, on March 27th, 1880, the property of the Singer Sewing Machine Company.

Mr. Andrews appeared for the prosecution. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions at Northampton.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, FEB. 25TH.
Present: R. Arkwright, Esq. (in the chair), and Joseph Hill, Esq.

Game Trespass
Wm. Gross, Chelveston-cum-Caldecot, was summoned for trespassing in search of game on land in the occupation of Mr. Chettles, on the 22nd Jan.

Edward Bonnfield said that be saw the defendant in Mr. Chettle's field with a gun, and that he told him he was looking for a hare.

Defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, 14s. 6d.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, MARCH 4TH.
Before F. U. Sartoris, Esq., in the chair; and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Drunkenness
Matthew Hanger, Rushden, for being drunk and disorderly, at Wellingborough, on the 26th ult., was fined £1, and 10s, 6d. costs, and sent to prison for fourteen days in default of payment.

Alleged Assault
John Dickens, Rushden, was summoned for assaulting Jeremiah Lichfield, at Rushden, on the 5th inst.

The case was dismissed, each party paying 5s. 9d. costs.

Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, APRIL 1ST.
Before H. M. Stockdale, Esq. (in the chair), Spencer Pratt, Esq.

The Weights and Measures Act
The following persons were summoned by Inspector Nash for breaches of the Weights and Measures Act:—Thos. Cox, baker, Stanwick, unjust weights and scales, fined 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs; Alfred Darnell, Rushden, one unjust weight, fined 2s. 6d. and costs, 9s. 6d.; Wm. Payne Perkins, Little Addington, scales unjust, fined 10s. and 9s. 6d. costs; Elizabeth Roberts, Finedon, one weight and one measure unjust, fined 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs; Thos. Partridge, Finedon, two unjust iron weights; fined 7s. 6d. and 9s. 6d. costs; James Wright, Finedon, one unjust weight; a witness being called defendant said that the weight was only used to press paper with, dismissed on payment of costs; Wm. Rappitt, Irthlingborough, pair of scales unjust, fined 1s. and 9s. 6d. costs; Wm. Moore. Wellingborough, one unjust measure, dismissed on payment of 7s. costs; David Coles, Wellingborough, one unjust weight, dismissed on payment of 7s. costs; Wallis Wilkinson, Rushden, one unjust weight, dismissed on payment of 7s. costs; Charles Austin, Earls Barton, one unjust pair of scales, fined 10s. and 9s. 6d. costs; James Pettitt, Bozeat, one unjust weight, dismissed on payment of 7s. costs; John Cowling, co-operative stores keeper, Wellingborough, nine unstamped and unjust weights, fined £2 and 9s. 6d. costs. In the above cases the weights and measures were all against the purchaser. The Chairman strongly commented on last case as being one of gross injustice to the public.
[A report of the other cases disposed of by the magistrates will appear next week.]

At the Thrapston Petty Sessions, on Monday, Samuel Campion, of Rushden, was ordered to pay 1s. a week towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Susan Vorley, of Raunds.

Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, APRIL 29th.
Before R Arkwrigkt, Esq. (in the chair), Spencer Watt, Esq., and Joseph Hill, Esq.

An Unsupported Charge
Wm. Abrahams, and Thos. Thompson, Rushden, were charged with stealing a sewing machine, the property of Sarah Bayes, at that place, on the 20th Inst.

The defendants were discharged, evidence not being forthcoming, to support the charge against it them.

County Court—THURSDAY, MAY 4th.
Before W. H. Cooke, Esq., Q.C., (judge)

Mary Ann Smith, Ivy House, Wappenham, v. John Wrighton, shoemaker, Rushden. Action to recover possession of a house, shop, garden, and premises at Rushden, and 18s. for rent.

Mr. Heygate appeared for the plaintiff, and his Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff, possession in 21 days.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions—FRIDAY, MAY 6TH.
Before F. U Sartoris, Esq., in the chair; and R. Arkwright, Esq.

Allowing a Horse to Stray
James Warren, butcher, Rushden was summoned for a breach of the Highway Act at Rushden, by allowing his horse to stray on the road unattended. In this case the horse had kicked a little boy at Rushden, and he had died from the effects of the kick.

George Hopkins proved seeing the horse in question on the highway unattended, and defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and 13s. costs.

Wellingborough Petty Sessions. —FRIDAY, JUNE 10TH.
Before Spencer Pratt, Esq., in the chair; and G. J. H. Pearson, Esq.

Refusing to Quit
Edwin Chettle, Rushden, was summoned for refusing to quit the Wheat Sheaf Inn at Rushden, on the 29th January last.

Defendant was fined 15s. and costs 14s.

He was further charged with refusing to quit the Coach and Horses Inn, Rushden, on the same day, and was fined 15s. and costs 15s.

DOMESTIC DIFFERENCES—At the Wellingborough Police Court, on Friday, Samuel Herbert, landlord of the Wheatsheaf Inn, Rushden, was summoned for assaulting Esther Herbert, on the 21st ult.— Mr. Archer appeared for the complainant, and asked permission to withdraw the case, the defendant having promised not to offend in future. It transpired that the offence consisted of a threat on the part of the defendant to shoot his wife. The complainant having given evidence bearing out Mr. Archer's statement, the Bench allowed the case to be withdrawn.

WELLINGBOROUGH POLICE COURT.
Petty Sessions, Friday, August 12th,
Before F. Sartoris (in the chair) and R. Arkwright, Esqs.

REFUSING TO QUIT AT RUSHDEN — William Abrahams was summoned for refusing to quit the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Rushden.—Samuel Herbert, the landlord, said that on Friday, the 29th ult., the defendant came into his house, and shortly afterwards began making a noise and annoying the customers. He refused to leave when told to do so, and witness had to send for P.C. Onan, who put him out. Fined 5s., and 10s. 6d. costs.

Wellingborough Police Court—Friday, Sept. 16th.
Before H. M. Stockdale, Esq. (in the chair), and R. Arkwright, Esq.

THE VACCINATION ACT—George Perkins of Rushden, was charged with not having his child one year and eight months old, vaccinated.— Mr. W. Jackson prosecuted on behalf of the Board of Guardians.— Mr. G. F. Packwood, vaccination officer, proved serving the necessary order on the 7th July, which required defendant to have the child vaccinated with 21 days of the notice. He called again on the 2nd August, and found the child had not been vaccinated.—Defendant said the child had not been in good sufficiently good health to be vaccinated.—The Chairman said he should have got a doctor's certificate to that effect.—Mr. Jackson said he simply asked that an order should be made that the child should be vaccinated within a certain time.—The Bench made an order that the child should be vaccinated by the 10th October.

AFFILIATION—Frederick Chettle, of Rushden was summoned to show cause why he should no, contribute towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary Ann Rolfe, of Irthlingborough, of which he was alleged to be the father.—Mr. Heygate appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Tebbs for the defence.—P.C. Onan proved serving the summons.—Mr. Tebbs objected to the summons on the ground that an alteration had been made in it after it had been signed by the Chairman. The summons was originally issued in 1880, but owing to the defendant having left the neighbourhood it had not been served until a few days since.—An alteration having been made in the summons, however, the Bench said that it was informal and must be dismissed.—Upon the application of Mr. Heygate a fresh summons was granted.

Wellingborough Police Court Friday, Sep. 30.
Before F. U. Sartoris, Esq., (in the chair), J. Hill, Esq., and K. W. Arkwright, Esq.

This being the day for the verification of the jury lists, the overseers of the several parishes attended, and the lists were duly verified.

AFFILIATION CASE—Frederick Chettle, of Rushden, was summoned by Mary Ann Rolfe, of Irthlingborough, to show cause why he should not contribute towards the support of her illegitimate child. —From the evidence of prosecutrix it appears that the child was born on 15th July, 1880. The defendant had left the village of Rushden, where he lived, till a month or two within the present date.—Defendant's brother had offered £4 to settle the case, but plaintiff's mother refused to take it.—Mr. Halliley, who defended, after hearing the evidence said the case was so clearly proved that he could not carry his defence any further; but he would ask the Bench to be as lenient as possible, as defendant had to support himself and his mother on 14s. a week.—The Bench made an order for the payment or 2s. a week until the child attains the age of 13 years.

Wellingborough Police Court FRIDAY, October 7th.
Present: F. U. Sartoris, Esq., in the chair; and J. Hill, Esq.

Assault at Rushden—Samuel Durham of Rushden, was charged with assaulting Ray Brimley, at Rushden, on the 23rd ult. Mr. Heygate appeared for the defence.—Prosecutor said he was an apprentice to the defendant, and on the day in question he dropped a shoe, when the defendant smacked him over the shoulder with his fist, and he had since had to go to the doctor’s.—Cross-examined by Mr. Heygate: When he dropped the shoe it made a small hole in it. The blow was a backhanded one.—Mr. Heygate said his client was a very respectable man, and the offence had been committed in a moment of irritation without any idea of doing the lad any harm. He very much regretted, however, that he had been betrayed into a hasty act.—The Bench permitted the case to be settled between the two parties.

Wellingborough Police Court – Friday October 28.
Before Messrs. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), R. Arkwright, and J. Hill.

STEALING DUCKS AT RUSHDEN — Matthew Hanger, James Green, and Joseph Green, all of Rushden, were charged with stealing two live ducks, value 6s., at Rushden, on the 8th October, the property of Thornas Wylds, farmer, of Rushden.— Mr. Simpson, of Higham Ferrers, prosecuted.— Prosecutor said that on the night of the 8th Oct., about 11 o'clock, he and his wife were disturbed by a noise in the outhouse. He got out of bed, and as the night was very bright he looked out of the window, and saw two men running away with a couple of ducks, and a third man going into the outhouse. He called out to the man still in the yard, "You've no cause to run, I know you," as he had recognised Matthew Hanger. On the following morning he gave information to the police.—All the prisoners pleaded guilty, and as they wished to be necessarily dealt with, they were each sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.

Assault at Rushden—Edwin Chettle, of Rushden, was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Cox, at Rushden, on the 20th Oct.—Prosecutrix, who is landlady of the New Inn, said defendant went into her house the worse for drink, and called for liquor, using most abusive language. She refused to supply the drink as did also her husband, upon which defendant threw her down, and said "Now I will kill you, you------,''—Defendant said he had had so much drink, and he did not know what occurred.—Defendant had previously been bound over to keep the peace for six months, and this period had not expired.—The Bench ordered the surities, Messrs. William Knight and John Barratt to come forward. They said they took the ... ... because they thought it would keep the defendant from drink, and to do him "a good turn." The Bench retired to consider their decision, and returning to Court called Ebenezer Cox, the landlord who slated that his wife was near her confinement.—The Bench said it was a serious offence; the prosecutrix having been knocked about, and serious consequences might have ensued. As regards the sureties, the Bench would leave that to be decided at the Quarter Sessions.— Defendant would be fined £5 and £1.3s. costs, or in default two months' imprisonment. Defendant went to prison.

Stealing Apples at Rushden—Hezekiah White and Charles Allen were charged with stealing apples at Rushden on the 15th September and 14th October, the property of Mr. Radburn.—Mr. Simpson appeared for the complainant, and said that he did not wish to press the charge, but merely brought it forward as a caution to others.—The Bench dismissed the case on payment of costs.

SCHOOL BOARD CASES AT RUSHDEN—John Clayton and Elihu Clarke were summoned for not sending their children to school, in accordance with the the Elementary Education Act.— Wm. Clark, school-attendance officer, gave evidence of the irregular attendance—Mr. J. Heygate appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Board, and asked the Bench to dispose of the case against John Clayton, by making an attendance order, as he was willing to see that the children should attend in future.—In the case of Elihu Clarke, Mr. Heygate said the child hadonly attended 38 times out of a possible 68.—The Bench made an attendance order.

Wellingborough Police Court, Friday, November 11.
Before Mr. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), and Mr. Spencer Pratt.

A RUSHDEN AFFILIATION CASE—Joseph Barley, was summoned to show cause why he should not contribute to the support of the illegitimate child of Susanna Harding.—The plaintiff who is a widow does not appear to have led a very exemplary life. There seemed no doubt, however, that the defendant had for some time cohabited with her, and the Bench made an order for 1s. a week.

Wellingborough County Court.
The monthly sitting of this Court was held on Tuesday last, but although the plaint list included a large number of cases very few were of public interest.

WILKINSON, Rushden, v. DR. H. HEMSTED— This was a claim for £1 8s. 9d. for drugs supplied. A Dr. Hemsted used to live in Wellingborough, and plaintiff alleged that during his residence here he had obtained drugs from him to the value named. Believing that Dr. Hemsted had removed to Whitchurch he had summoned him for the amount. Mr. H. Dickens appeared for the defendant, and placing his client in the box questioned the plaintiff as to whether this was the Dr. Hemsted he had done business with. Thus interrogated the plaintiff admitted that the defendant was a stranger to him, and that therefore he had summoned the wrong Dr. Hemsted. Judgment was accordingly entered for defendant with costs. It transpired during the hearing of the case that the plaintiff had written to the defendant on postcards applying in urgent terms for the accounts. His Honour strongly deprecated this offensive method of applying for accounts.

Wellingborough Police Court Friday, Nov. 25th,
Before Mr. R. Arkwriglit (in the chair), and Mr. H. M. Stockdale.

GAME TRESPASS AT RUSHDEN—Frederick Tew and George Richardson were charged with trespassing in search of conies at Rushden.—G. Newcombe stated that he saw the defendants with dogs searching for rabbits.—Fined 1s. each and costs.

Wellingborough Police Court FRIDAY, December 2.
Before Mr. Spencer Pratt

SCHOOL BOARD CASES—Arthur Pruden, Susan Bayes, and Edward Garrod, of Rushden, were summoned for not sending, their children to school. Mr. J. Heygate representing the School Board, asked that attendance orders might be made. The facts having been proved by Mr. William Clarke, the attendance officer, the Bench made the usual orders.

Wellingborough Police Court
Before Mr Stockdale (chairman), Mr Spencer Pratt, and Mr John Hill.

Affiliation Case—Bernard Neale, of Rushden, was summoned by Annie Cooper, of Wollaston, to show cause why he should not contribute to the support of an illegitimate child of which he was alleged to be the father. Mr Heygate appeared in the case, and the defendant agreed to pay 2s.6d. per week until the child was 16 years of age.

Wellingborough Police Court
Friday, Feb. 3. Before Messrs. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair) and Joseph Hill.

STEALING A LOAF—Joseph Green was charged with stealing a half-quartern loaf, value 3d., the property of Mr. Edward Coles, of Rushden. The prisoner was seen by some children to take the loaf and they informed Mrs. Coles, who followed prisoner to the New Inn, where the loaf was found in his possession.—The prisoner admitted the offence, and there being a previous conviction, he was sentenced to a month's imprisonment.

Wellingborough County Court
The ordinary monthly sitting of this Court was held at the Corn Exchange on Monday last. The cause list included about, 60 plaints, but several of these had been paid before the sitting of the Court, and nearly the whole of the remainder were disposed of before the Registrar (Mr. G. H. Burnham).

CLAIM FOR A WATCH—Alfred Walker, rivetter, Rushden, v. William Dicks, watchmaker, Stonley, near Kimbolton. The defendant is a travelling watchmaker, and according to plaintiff's evidence he entrusted him with a watch to repair, which had never been returned to him. Defendant did not appear, and his Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff with costs.

Wellingborough Police Court
March 10th.—Before Mr. H. M. Stockdale, (in the chair), Mr. Spencer Pratt, and Mr. Joseph Hill.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY AT RUSHDEN—Wm. Billingham was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Rushden on the 21st ult. P.C. Onan paid that the defendant was drunk and using very bad language at 10 p.m. on the day named. It appeared that defendant had been in the Army 12½ years, and as this was his first appearance in Court, he was let off on payment of costs, 7s.

BEGGING—Alexander McGrigor, tramp, a Scotchman, was brought up charged with begging in Wellingborough.—Mr. John Coales, harness and collar maker, said prisoner came into his shop on the 9th inst., and represented that he was in the same trade and asked for relief. Prosecutor tested him, and found that he was an impostor. The Bench sent him to prison for 14 days.

IMPORTANT LIGHTING ACT CASE—Mr. B. Mortimer, of Rushden, was summoned for the non-payment of the lighting rate at that place, amounting to £1 4s. 9d.—Mr. Jackson, of the firm of Sharman and Jackson, appeared for the overseers, and Mr. J. T. Parker for the defendant.—The Chairman said he regretted the case had not been brought before the Bench upon some other occasion when he was not present, seeing that he was mixed up with the parochial affairs at Rushden. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Parker said their clients were perfectly willing that the Chairman should hear the case, as they had the utmost confidence in his impartiality.—Mr. Sargent, rate-collector, and Mr. Scott, sexton, were then called to prove that the legal requirements of the Lighting Act respecting notices, &c., had been complied with.—Mr. Parker, in defence, contended that the Act required that a public Notification should be given previous to every meeting of the lighting inspectors, as to the place of meeting, &c. He also objected to the rate because the overseers instead of raising the sum of £80 required had raised the sum of £88.—Mr. Jackson, in reply, pointed out that due notice had been given, in accordance with the terms of the Act, before the Inspectors first met, but he denied that they were required to repeat the notice from month to month. About the overseers raising £88, he pointed out to the Bench the impossibility of raising the exact amount. The overseers had, however, kept as nearly as possible to the amount required by the Inspectors.—The Bench, after, a short consultation, said they did not think either of the objections could be sustained, and they must therefore give judgment for the overseers. Mr. Parker intimated that his client would probably appeal.

Wellingborough Police Court.
Friday, April 14. Before Mr. H. M. Stockdale (in the chair), Mr. Spencer Pratt, Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.

A RUSHDEN CASE—Ash Abott was summoned for threatening the life of Joseph Todd on the 3rd inst. —Mr. Parker appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Heygate for the defendant.—The parties have been living in the same yard and the alleged threats were said to have been made use of in a neighbourly quarrel. The evidence occupied the court for some time, Herbert Todd and George Bird being called by the complainant, and James Pennis, and defendant's father for Abbott. The case was ultimately dismissed.

Wellingborough Police Court.
Friday, June 23.—Before Mr. Spencer Pratt, in the chair; Mr. N. P. Sharman, and Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.

NON-PAYMENT OF REFORMATORY SCHOOL FEES—Benjamin Bursey, currier, Wellingborough, was summoned for being one month in arrears for the support of his daughter who was sent to the Reformatory a month ago. Defendant did not object to pay, and the usual order was made.

STEALING GUINEA FOWL EGGS AT RUSHDEN— Thomas Willis, a respectable-looking young man, of Rushden, was charged with stealing eight guinea fowl eggs, value 8d., the property of Mr. Stewart Mason.—Mr. W. H. Simpson appeared for the prosecutor.—John Mason, the son of the prosecutor, said that during the previous week he missed several eggs from a nest, and in consequence communicated with the police. About a quarter to seven on Sunday evening the policeman brought the defendant to him with two eggs in his possession. The nest was in an enclosed garden, through which no one had a right of way.—P.C. Onan deposed to watching the nest, and seeing defendant go to it upon two or three occasions. On Sunday he saw defendant take two eggs from the nest, and he then took him into custody. He afterwards took him home, and asked his wife for the other eggs he had brought home during the week. She then produced four eggs, one of which was an egg he had marked when it was in the nest.—The defendant pleaded guilty, and Mr. Simpson then said that although Mr. Mason had felt bound to prosecute in the first case of egg stealing which was discovered, he desired to ask the Bench to deal with the defendant as leniently as possible.—Fined 30s. and costs.

Wellingborough Police Court - Friday, July 22.
Before Mr. Spencer Pratt (in the chair), Mr. N. P. Sharman, and Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.

CARRYING A GUN WITHOUT A LICENSE—William Barwick, a young man of Rushden, was charged with carrying a gun without a license on May 15th last.—P.S. Webster proved the facts, and said that defendant was in the habit of going out poaching. Mr. Bickford, the supervisor, said that defendant had taken out no license since the offence.—Fined £1 and 9s. 6d. costs, or 21 days.—Time for payment refused.

DRUNKENNESS AT RUSHDEN—Hannah Chambers, who appeared with a child in her arms, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Rushden. P.C. Onan found the defendant surrounded by a crowd, and had great difficulty to get her home. Defendant denied being drunk, but admitted being in "a great passion" through the ill-usage of the crowd. — Fined 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs. The defendant paid 7s. 6d. and was allowed a fortnight to obtain the balance.

VACCINATION CASES—George Henry Sharp, of Rushden, was summoned for not having two of his children vaccinated. In the one case he was fined £1 and 10s. 6d. costs, and in the other case ordered to have the child vaccinated, and to pay 11s. 6d. costs.—Arthur Knight, of Rushden, was summoned for a like offence and was ordered to have the child vaccinated and to pay 11s. 6d. costs.

Wellingborough Police Court
The following cases were disposed of after we went to press last week:—

DRUNKENNESS AT RUSHDEN—Matthew Hanger was further charged with being drunk and riotous, on the 16th inst.—The case was proved by P.S. Webster.—The defendant, against whom there were three previous convictions, admitted the offence, and was fined £1, and 9s. 6d. costs.

Wellingborough County Court
The monthly sitting of the Court took place on Tuesday, at the Corn Exchange. About 130 plaints were entered for hearing, but most of these had been disposed of either by settlement or before the Registrar (Mr. G. H. Burnham). The remaining causes were heard before Mr. F. J. Bulley, deputy-judge.

DISPUTED BUTCHER'S ACCOUNT— Josiah Warren, butcher, Irthlingborough, v. Jas. Nurrish, shoemaker, Rushden. Mr. J. T. Parker far the defendant. The plaintiff claimed £3 10s. 4d. for meat supplied four or five years ago. Defendant formerly lived at Irthlingborough, and according to plaintiff's case meat to the amount of £2 10s. 9d. was supplied to him before he removed to Rushden, and 19s. 7d. afterwards. The bill for the larger amount was sent in first, and defendant agreed to pay cash for future purchases, and gradually to work down the old debt. Instead of persevering in this resolution, defendant allowed the second account to accumulate, and some time after he sent in this account as well.—Mr. Parker called defendant's wife, who gave an entirely different version of the story. She stated that she had been accustomed to have meat from the plaintiff on trust, and used to pay him 10s. or 20s. at a time as she could afford it. In 1876 she received an account for £3 10s. 4d., the amount now claimed, and knowing that she only owed about £1 she went to him and told him he hadn't taken off some of her payments. He referred to his books, and admitted that the account was too much, and said that he would make it right. She heard nothing more of it till some time after, when she received the second account for 19s. 7d., which she accepted as a correction of the other.—His Honour pointed out to the plaintiff that on his bill for 19s. 7d. there was no "account rendered" brought forward.—Plaintiff said he had not troubled to put this because the defendant had already had the bill for the larger amount.—Mr. Parker said he did not for a moment suggest that the plaintiff was saying what he knew to be untrue, but he submitted that the defendant, who would have very few transactions, would be far more likely to remember what took place four or five years ago than the plaintiff, who had an extensive business.—His Honour said the evidence was in direct conflict, but as plaintiff's bill for the 19s. 7d. showed no account rendered he must decide that the balance of evidence was against him. Judgment for 19s. 7d.—which had previously been paid into Court.

DRUNKENNESS AT RUSHDEN—Alfred Pettit, of Rushden, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and refusing to quit the Wheat Sheaf Inn, on the 6th inst; and also with damaging a wire blind of the value of 5s. 0d. The offences were committed on Sunday evening last, and the case was proved by the landlord. The defendant (who did not appear) was represented by his mother, who said that her son suffered in the head and was not fit to attend. She did not deny the facts, but contended that if her son had been dealt with gently he would have gone, but, "he wouldn’t be drove." Fined £1, damage 5s., and costs 16s. 6d.

WELLINGBOROUGH POLICE COURT
Friday, Sept, 29th.—Before Mr. Spencer Pratt (in the chair), Mr. R. Arkwright, and Mr. N. P. Sharman.

ASSAULT CASE AT RUSHDEN—Baker Denton and Walter Denton, of Rushden, were summoned for assaulting Henry Stokes, of the same place, on the 16th Sept. Walter Denton did not appear. The prosecutor desired to withdraw the case, as the defendants had acknowledged the offence to him, and promised not to repeat it. Withdrawn.

APPLICATION—The manager of the Rushden Coffee and Hotel Company applied for a billiard license for that place. The various notices were proved, and the Bench granted the application.

Wellingborough Police Court. Friday, Oct. 27.
Before Mr. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), Mr. N. P. Sharman, Col. Rawlins, and Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.

GAME TRESSPASS—John Laughton, Wm. Berrick, Chas. Bull, and Charles Bolton, of Rushden, were charged with trespassing on land in the occupation of Mr. R. Flintham, on the 3rd inst. Mr.Simpson prosecuted. Wm. Abrahams, a labourer in the employ of Mr. Flintham, said he saw Laughton shoot at three partridges and miss them, but he afterwards shot a partridge, and Berrick picked it up. He couldn't swear to the other men, and they were accordingly dismissed. Defendants were fined 10s. each, and costs 9s. 6d. each.

DRUNKENNESS—Charles Goodliffe, Charles Bass, and George Cave, of Rushden, were charged with being drunk in Irchester, on the 10th inst. P.C. Thomas saw the defendants with three others, driving in a trap at Irchester and they went to both the public houses, but were refused drink at both houses.—Thomas Robinson also corroborated.—As Goodliffe had been previously convicted he was fined £1 and costs 9s. 2d. and the others 10s. and 9s. 2d. costs.

Wellingborough Police Court. Friday, November 3rd.
Before Mr. H. M. Stockdale (in the chair), Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Colonel Rawlins.

SCHOOL BOARD CASE
William Luck, of Rushden, was fined 6d. and 4s. costs for neglecting to send his children to school. W. Packwood, the district attendance officer, proved the case.

Wellingborough Police Court. Friday, Nov. 10th.
Before Mr. Spencer Pratt, Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Lieut.-Col. Rawlins.

DRUNKENNESS—Albert E. Percival, shoemaker, Rushden, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Wellingborough, on the 9th inst.—The prisoner was violently drunk about the streets and had to be taken into custody by P.S. Brown.—Fined or 21 days.

FILIATION ARREARS—Richard Riddle, of Rushden, was summoned by Elizabeth Bollard, for arrears under an affiliation order. Defendant having no goods was sent to gaol for a month.

Wellingborough Police Court. Friday, Nov. 17th.
Before Mr. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), Mr. K. Arkwright, Mr. N. P. Sharman, and Col. Rawlins.

DRUNKENNESS—John Nunneley, of Rushden, was charged with being drunk in Wellingborough, on Sunday, the 5th inst.—P.S. Andrews said defen¬dant was very drunk in Silver-street with one or two others, on Sunday afternoon. Fined 10s. and costs 9s. 6d.

TRANSFERS—The license of Philip Whitbread of Rushden, was transferred to W. J. Simons, as were also those of G. Pym to F. Copson, and C. Drage to W. Holt, all of Wellingborough.

VAGRANCY—James Jones, a young man, tramp of Liverpool, was charged by P.C. Onan with begging in the streets of Rushden on the 23rd inst. Defendant went to the constable's house, and saying that he had had nothing to eat all day, asked the constable to lock him up, or else he should do something worse than begging.—Fourteen days imprisonment.

Wellingborough Police Court. Friday, Dec. 1.
Before Mr. N. P. Sharman (in the chair), Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Col. Rawlins.

Vagrancy—George Manning and Mary Ann Manning, man and wife, were charged with begging in the Rushden sheets on Thursday last.—P.C. Onan proved the case, and said they both had 4½d. upon them.—They were sent to prison for 14 days.

Wellingborough Police Court.
Monday—Before Mr. N. P. Sharman.

THEFT—Edward Smith, of Rushden, was charged with stealing, on the 1st inst., a pair of boots, the property of William Colson, of Rushden. Formal evidence having been given, the prisoner was remanded till Friday.

Friday, Dec. 8th.—Before Mr. N. P. Sharman, in the chair; Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Lieut.-Col. Rawlins.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT RUSHDEN—Jeremiah Rice, who has a record of 30 previous convictions, was charged with refusing to quit the New Inn, on Saturday last, and also with breaking on the same day a window and six glasses in the house of Fredk. Ette. Defendant was disorderly in the New Inn, and P.C. Onan had to be called in to put him out. He then went to Mr. Ette's house, and on the landlord refusing to serve him, and having him put out because of his condition, he threw a stone at the window, thereby causing the damage alleged. Fined £1 and 10s. 6d. costs in the first case, and £1 and £2 8s. costs in the second; or in default six weeks' imprisonment.

THEFT AT RUSHDEN—Edward D. Smith (17), dicker, Northampton, was charged with stealing three pairs of boots, the property of Messrs. W. Colson & Co., of Rushden, Mr. H. Packwood proved that prisoner had been in the employ of the prosecutors till last Saturday, when he left. He also identified the boots. Evidence was then given showing that two pairs of the boots were pledged at Northampton, and the third pair was found at prisoner's father's house.—Six weeks' imprisonment.

Wellingborough Police Court. Friday, Dec. 15.
Present: Mr. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), .Mr. N. P. Sharman, Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Lieut.-Col. Rawlins.

VAGRANCY—Wm. Pittam, tramp, for begging in the public streets at Rushden, on the 14th inst., as proved by P.C. Onan, was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour.—Wm. York, another tramp, was charged by P.S. Andrews with a similar offence at Wellingborough, and was sentenced to a similar term of 14 days.

DRUNKENNESS AT RUSHDEN—-George Knight and George Smith, rivetters, were charged with being drunk and disorderly at Rushden, on Saturday, Dec. 2nd. The two defendants broke a certain window belonging to Mr. Checksfield, cabinet maker, of Rushden, and on P.C. Onan being sent for, Knight was very abusive to him, and resisted his authority. Mr. Checksfield corroborated the constable's statement.—Smith was fined 5s. and costs, 11s.; and Knight was fined 10s. and 11s. costs.

COMPULSORY VACCINATION—Samuel Parker, of Rushden, was charged with a breach of the Vaccination Act. Mr. Packwood proved the notices. Defendant said he objected on conscientious grounds. The Chairman said they could not enter into his views, but were bound to enforce the Act. Defendant produced statements made by the President of the Local Government Board and various medical men, and said be would rather have his head chopped off than have his children vaccinated. He had asked two medical men, but they would not guarantee that his child would not he injured by vaccination. Fined 5s., and 9s. 6d. expenses, which the defendant said he should not pay.—Andrew Groom, of the same place, was also charged with a similar breach of the Act, The defendant said that some of his children had suffered from the effects of vaccination. Fined 5s. and 9s. 6d. costs.

Wellingborough Police Court. Monday, Dec. 18.
Before Mr. N. P. Sharman.

BEGGING—George Wood, tramp, was charged by C. Griffin, with begging at Wellingborough on the 16th last., and was sent to prison for 14 days hard labour.—William Moore, another tramp, was charged by P.C. Onan, with begging at Rushden, on the 17th. inst, and was sent to prison for a similar term.

ALLEGED ASSAULT AT RUSHDEN BOARD SCHOOL— Walter Wood, was charged with assaulting Thomas Freeman, of Rushden on the 18th inst., Mr. J. T. Parker prosecuted, and Mr. J. Heygate appeared for Mr. Wood.—Thomas Freeman, (11) said he went to the Rushden Board School, and because he did not write properly defendant told him to write "Disobedience'' out 50 times. He showed the words to the master, when he told him to write the word out 100 times, and because he refused defendant took hold of him and struck him with a thick cane very hard. In answer to Mr. Heygate, the boy said he was punished for talking while the registers were being marked. Another boy was also punished by having to write the word "talking" out. He did not write the word until he was told two or three times. Thomas Freeman, father of the complainant, said his boy was delicate, and he had told defendant that his son had been seen by the Chairman of the School Board. There were several marks on his back, on Thursday, Dec. 21st. Eliza Sherwood, a scholar at the Board School, also gave evidence, in which she stated that the defendant lost his temper, and when the lad cried, he said, "He was more like a wild beast." It was only the usual punishment inflicted. She thought the lad tried to kick the defendant. Amy Partridge also gave evidence. P.S. Webster said he saw the lad's back on Monday, when there were two bad weals, and five or six smaller ones.—Mr. J. Heygate said he had been clerk to the Rushden School Board for six years and this was the first case of the kind that had been brought before the Bench. He thought they would have no difficulty in saying, upon the evidence, that the master had simply done his duty in maintaining the discipline of the school. He called Mr. Knight, the Chairman of the Rushden School Board who said he had been a member of the Board since its formation, and defendant had been in the school for a similar time. He saw the boy's back on the Wednesday following, when he saw three small marks. The Board had since investigated the case, and had instructed Mr. Heygate to appear in defence.—The Bench retired to view the boy's back, and on their return the Chairman said that they had come to the conclusion, that although the master had acted with some severity, the charge had not been made out. They should, therefore, dismiss the summons, but under the circumstances they would suggest whether he might not pay the costs. This, however, they left to his discretion. (We understand in reference to this suggestion that Mr. Wood will be guided by the wish of the Board)

BOXING DAY—Mr. J. T. Parker applied on behalf of the licensed victuallers for an extra hour on Boxing Night instead of Christmas Eve as formerly. The Bench refused any general application of this kind, and said that special cases would be decided on their merits.

Wellingborough Police Court, Tuesday, December 26th.
Before Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.

Alfred Pettitt, labourer, of Rushden, charged with being drunk and riotous, at Rushden, on the 23rd ult,, was remanded until Friday.

DRUNKENNESS AT RUSHDEN—Alfred Pettitt, labourer, was charged on remand with being drunk and disorderly, and refusing to quit the Feathers Inn, Rushden, the 23rd inst.—Frederick Ette, the landlord, said the defendant was very abusive in his house, and drank several people’s beer. He was truned out, when he kicked the door, and caught hold of wirness, and tore his coat sleeve.—P.S. Webster corroborated the previous witness, and said the defendant was mad drunk. When he was brought to Wellingborough in a trap he had to have his legs tied to keep him in.—Fined £1 and costs, in default 21 days. The Bench disallowed prosecutor’s expenses.

BREACH OF PEACE AT RUSHDEN—Matthew Hanger, John Laughton (who did not appear, and against whom a warrant was ordered to be issued), Thomas Field, and Charles Williamson, all of Rushden, were charged with fighting and creating a disturbance in Rushden streets, on December 21. John Margetts, parish constable, said he saw the two former defendants fighting, and the two latter were aiding and abetting them. He asked the defendants to leave off, when they were very abusive to him, and also to the Rev. Canon Barker, who was passing at the time.—The Superintendent said he should be content if Field and Williamson paid the costs, but he should ask for Hanger to be bound over.—The Bench adopted this suggestion, and bound Hanger over in £5 to be of good behaviour for three months. The other defendants paid the costs.

Wellingborough Police Court. Wednesday, 17th.
Before Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.

FALSE PRETENCES—Gilbert Daisley, tramp, was charged with giving a false name whilst applying for a workhouse ticket, at the Police Station, and was committed for 14 days.

Friday, Jan. 19—Before Mr. H. M. Stockdale (in the chair), and Mr. R. W. Arkwright.

VACCINATION ACT—Samuel Parker, Thomas Joseph Coleman, Henry James Rice, Thomas Lack, and Samuel Tye, all of Rushden, were charged with non-compliance with the vaccination Act. Mr. G. Packwood proved the facts. Samuel Parker said He objected to vaccination on conscientious grounds, and he quoted several cases in which death had resulted from the vaccination of children. The Chairman said the Bench had simply to administer the Act, and they must therefore make an order for vaccination of the child. Thomas Lack admitted having two children that had not been vaccinated, and said he objected to it being done, as a child of his that had been vaccinated had been unwell ever since, while the other children remained in good health. An order was made as was also done in the case of Samuel Tye, who did not appear. Thomas Joseph Coleman said he held that the law was bad both morally and physically. In this case, and also that of James Rice, fines of 1s. and 9s. 6d. costs were inflicted. Distress warrants were ordered.

Wellingborough Police Court - Friday, 2nd inst.
Before Mr. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), Mr. Spencer Pratt, Mr. N. P. Sharman, Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Lieut. Col. Rawlins.

THEFT FROM A RUSHDEN WAREHOUSE— Frank Harris, a youth of Northampton, was charged with stealing two pairs of boots, the property of Messrs. W. Colson & Co., some time in November last. The prisoner had been apprehended on a warrant, as he had absconded since the robbery. Another lad, a native of Northampton, who was working with prisoner, has already been convicted for a like offence and sent to prison. P.S. Webster found one pair of boots in pledge at Mr. C. Dyer's, pawnbroker, of Northampton, and the other pair of uppers at a young woman's house, with whom prisoner had been in company. When charged the prisoner said "Its correct." Mr. Wm. Colson identified the boots and said the prisoner had been in their employ for two months, when he left without giving proper notice. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sent to prison for six weeks.

Wellingborough Police Court -The monthly sitting of this Court was held on Monday last before Mr. W. H. Cooke, Q.C., Judge, and Mr. G. H. Burnham, Registrar. The following were disposed of by his Honour:—

A CURIOUS CASE - John Compton, rivetter, Rushden, v. Matthew Redgate, Sun Inn, Wellingborough.—Mr. Heygate for the plaintiff, whose claim was a curious one, the defendant "having on this date (Dec. 29th) supplied him with two loaded cigars, by the explosion of which his right hand was injured, and he was rendered unable to work, and thereby suffered loss of wages, and incurred medical expenses as follows:—Two weeks at 26s., £2 12s.; medical attendance, 10s."

On the date given, in the evening, the plaintiff and Thomas West went into the Swan Inn and asked for a couple of 2d. cigars. One was handed to Compton by the defendant, and when the first-named had smoked a small portion of it an explosion took place. Redgate's attention was called to the fact, and plaintiff asked for a second smoke. Thereupon a box was brought to him, and he took out another cigar, which also exploded, and the result of the explosions was so to damage the plaintiff's right hand that he was unable to work for a fortnight.—His Honour asked Mr. Heygate what sort of an action he called it; was it for doing grievous bodily harm?—Mr. Heygate: It was practical joking, and the plaintiff suffered harm. — His Honour: Volenti non fit injuria. I have a difficulty in seeing how you can maintain the action. If you think you can, go on; I will hear the rest of the evidence.—The case proceeded, and the plaintiff and West were examined.—Defendant told the Court that these cigars were commonly bought at Christmas-time—he himself sold a box and a half during that season last year—and the slight explosion which took place gave occasion for a joke. The cigars were perfectly harmless, and he had present a person who was willing to smoke one of them in Court. He had never had any complaint before, and supposed the injury which the plaintiff received was due to the manner in which he held the cigars he was supplied with.—Mr. Sheldon, of Irthlingborough, said he had smoked several of these explosive cigars, and they would hurt no one who held them in a proper way.—Mr. Heygate asked that the decision might be reserved till the next Court day on points of law, but his Honour said he was fully satisfied the claim could not be upheld. There was nothing of the nature of a guarantee given with the cigars, and in the absence of a special contract there was no legal ground on which the action would rest. As, however, defendant did not appear to have explained the nature of the cigars, he should not allow costs. During the hearing of the case, his Honour said it was a pity young fellows like the plaintiff had nothing better to do with their money than throw it away in cigars.

WELLINGBOROUGH POLICE COURT
Friday, Feb. 9.—Before Mr. H. M. Stockdale (in the chair), Mr. F. U. Sartoris, Mr. N. P. Sharman, Mr. C. J. K. Woolston, and Lieut.-Col. Rawlins.

THE RUSHDEN ANTI-VACCINATIONISTS—John Hazeldine, Thomas Baker, Frederick Ellis, John Sanders, George Garley, William Rice, and George Frederick Claridge, all of Rushden, were summoned for breaches of the Vaccination Act. Rice and Sanders did not appear. Ellis's child was a year old and had not yet been vaccinated. He said that with his opinions about vaccination, he dare not have his child vaccinated. Fined 1s. and 9s. 6d. costs, a destraint to issue in default. Defendant Baker contended that vaccination had been a great failure, and Hazeldine said that two or three deaths had occurred in his own family through it. Claridge said that one of his own children had greatly suffered. Garley also objected on conscientious grounds. After a few words of advice from the Bench, the usual orders were made. The other cases were adjourned.

Wellingborough County Court
Monday, March 5—Before W. H. Cooke, Q.C.

W. J. SIMONS Wellingborough, v. G. H. BANDY, tailor, Rushden. Amount of claim 19s., of which 10s. was for two week's rent for a cottage. This was the only item at issue, and the dispute turned upon the sufficiency of the notice given by the defendant when tie left the cottage. Verdict for the plaintiff.

W. J. SIMONS v. JAMES TOWNSEND, labourer, Rushden. The amount claimed was £1, and in the absence of a witness, his Honour gave judgment for the reduced sum of 11s. 1d.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions - Friday, March 16.
Present: Mr. H. Green (in the chair), Mr. T. Bagnall, and Mr. Watson, with the Clerk (Mr. J. Garrard.)

Alfred Linnett and Henry Smith, shoemakers, of Rushden, were summoned for trespassing in search of conies, at Riseley, on the 26th of February.

Frederick Woodham, gamekeeper to Lord St. John, stated that while he was in a spinney he saw the defendant and two others going along the road from Melchbourne to Riseley. They picked up stones, and two went into a field and threw into the hedge while the other two did the same on the road side. When they got past Riseley Grange Farm they started a rabbit. They ran away when they saw witness, but he followed them. They got into a ploughed field and then into a grass field where Linnett left the other three men, while they turned back to the Swineshead-road, and witness followed them to the "Chequers," at Swineshead.

Linnett stoutly protested that he was not with the other men, while he contradicted himself by saying what the defendant Smith did.

Smith denied that he went off the high road.

The Chairman told Linnett that in his opinion he had told the "black lies" he had imputed to the witness.

Defendants were each fined 5s. and 9s. 6d, costs, or 14 days' imprisonment.