WITNEY.

JUSTICE ROOM, March 23rd, 1882.

Present: Rev. R.L. Baker, and P. Southby, Esq.

Maintenance of Relatives.- George Pratley, Frank Pratley and James Pratley, of Hailey, labourers, were charged by the Guardians of the Witney Union, to show cause why they should not contribute to the maintenance of their mother Emma Pratley. It appeared that James Pratley only had been served with a summons, the others having decamped. The case was adjourned.

WITNEY.

PETTY SESSIONS.

Thursday December 16th.

Before the Rev. R.L. Baker, and P. Southby, Esq.

Another Trespass.

James Pratley, Frank Pratley, and Henry Buckingham, men of Hailey, were charged with trespassing on land in the occupation of James Mason, Esq., at Hailey, in search of game, on the 20th December.- Defendants pleaded not guilty.

Charles Bullen deposed: I am game-keeper for Mr. Mason. On the 20th December I saw the defendants, James and Frank Pratley, they were in a field belonging to Mr. Mason, trying the rabbit "burys". Buckingham was watching in the road, I watched the Pratleys set the net, and I saw them take them up again. I watched them for about a quarter of an hour, and then I ran towards them, but directly they saw me they snatched up the nets and ran away. When the Pratleys ran away, Buckingham, who was still on the road, walked away in the direction of Hailey. I saw all three of them together about 10 a.m. but the Pratleys did not go into the field till about a quarter to 11.0.

By the Bench: I was about 100 yards from the defendants. Buckingham did not go into the field at all with them.

By Frank Pratley: I swear you were in the field at the time. I knew you before you went for a soldier nine years ago. I have seen you previous to this occasion since you have been home.

By Buckingham: I saw you in the road.By Buckingham: I saw you in the road.

By the Bench: When I ran after them I called the Pratleys by their christian names. I have known them for a long time. Frank Pratley went away for a soldier and I knew he had come home because I had seen him before.

The Chairman said the magistrates had decided to give Buckingham the benefit of the doubt. Frank Pratley would be fined 1s and costs 10s 6d, or 7 days. With regard to James Pratley, it was not the first time he had been before the magistrates on a similar charge. If he did not turn over a new leaf he would go to the bad altogether. He hoped it would be a warning to him. He would be fined, including costs, £1 0s 6d, or 14 days hard labour.

Both defendants were removed in custody.

MINSTER LOVELL.

CRICKET.- A match was played here on August 7th, between Minster and Asthally, and resulted in an easy win for the visitors. Score:-

BURFORD.

BAMPTON WEST PETTY SESSIONS - Dec. 5th.

Before T.H. Cheatle and G.H. Milward, Esqs.

Charge of Night Poaching.- John Mills and Frank Pratley, of Asthal, were charged with night poaching on land at Swinbrook in the occupation of Mr. Leigh Hoskyns, of Cotefield House, Banbury, on November 17th.- John Wallace stated that he was assistant gamekeeper to Mr. Hoskyns, and saw the defendants about midnight coming out of Hensgrove wood and going in the direction of the road. He ran after them and caught Mills, who called out, "Help, mate." Pratley came to his assistance and struck witness on the head with a gun, and with an oath told him to let Mills go. Witness called for Leonard Eeles, who was out with him that night, and while he was coming Pratley ran away. Upon searching Mills a pheasant and a rabbit were found in his possession.- Leonard Eeles gave corroborative evidence.- The defendant Mills pleaded guilty, and Pratley made a statement to the effect that he was not there, but was at home and in bed at the time.- The Chairman said the Bench considered the case was clearly proved against both defendants. There were several convictions against Mills, and he would be imprisoned for three calendar months. Pratley was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.