CHIPPING NORTON.

CHADLINGTON PETTY SESSIONS -

Wednesday.

Before Albert Brassey, Esq. (in the chair), Lord Moreton and Lieut.-Col. Dillon.

Neighbour's Grievance.- Charles Hovard was summoned for using insulting and indecent language towards Florrie Pratley, on August 1st. He pleaded guilty under great provocation.- William Pratley was also summoned for using insulting and indecent language towards Charles Hovard, on the same date.- Mr. Thomas Mace appeared for Hovard. He stated that the parties all resided at Churchill within a short distance of each other, and there had been ill feeling existing between them for something like eighteen months. On the day in question Mrs. Pratley was passing Hovard's house, and she made some insulting remarks about Hovard's wife. Unfortunately Hovard lost his temper and made use of expressions which he now regretted. Later in the day Mrs. Pratley's husband came along and wanted Hovard to come out and fight and also made use of insulting and indecent language mentioned on the summons. Hovard, however, refused to challenge, and remained on his own doorstep.- Hovard gave evidence, during the course of which he said that Mrs. Pratley was always sneering and laughing at his wife, on account of her having two children in eighteen months.- Mrs. Hovard also gave evidence.- The Bench retired to consider the case, and on their return the Chairman said the magistrates had carefully considered the case, and agreed that there had been bad language used. There had been great provocation, especially on the part of the Pratleys. The cases would be dismisssed, each party paying their own costs.