COURT SENSATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 261, 18 August 1930, Page 6

COURT SENSATION.

( "ARREST THAT MAN." ARGUMENTATIVE FATHER. ( Special to the "Guardian.") CHRISTOHURCH, August 16. A ssnsational incident occurred in the ' Children's Court this morning, when an argumentative father came very close to being committed for contempt, of Court. The Magistrate (Mr H. P. La wry) ordered the man's arrest, but on his assurance that he would behave did not proceed with the charge. ' The trouble arose during the hearing of a case in which the man's son was charged with three petty thefts. With Mr Lawry on the Bench were Mrs T. Green and Mr W. M. West, Justices of the Peace. The case was first heard a fortnight ago, and was adjourned to verify statements made by the boy and his mother. , ~ ~ , Senior-Sergeant O'Grady said that the boy's father had made a statement to the police. This witness handed to the Magistrate. The Magistrate, to the hoy's father: Did you tell the constable that you allowed the boy to smoke?—No. Did you tell him that you were away from Christchurch for weeks at a time and that the boy had to, get pocket money somehow, and that he.played power and pitch and toss?—No, that s wrong. I never said anything of the Did you make any statement to the constable at all?—Yes. I gave the constable a stir up. I thought he needed

it. Confine yourself to the questions.— I'm entitled to speak. Remember you are in Court now. — That's all right. Don't he cheeky, or I will have you committed.—l'm entitled to speak. You are not entitled to speak like that. Don't answer back.—That's all right. ~ The Magistrate, to two constables: Arrest him and I willHdjourn the The constable stepped round to the man. . .. .„ "Now," said the Magistrate, will you behave or will you go to gaol ? The case then proceeded on the assurance of the man that he would beLater on the Magistrate asked the boy if he played pitch and toss.— les, for funs." was the reply. The Magistrate:/Does your father allow vou to smoke? The'father: No. I don't The boy will tell you. (To the boy): Do I allow you to smoke? . T The Magistrate: Don't mterefere. I am speaking to the boy. The boy: No. My father doesn't allow me to smoke, but my mother does sometimes, but she always tells me to put it out. „ . , t ~ ■' A priest told the Magistrate that he was willing to keep an eye on the The case was adjourned for six months, Mr Lawry warning the hoy that if he got into any more trouble he would be dealt with on all three charges. '