PUGILISTIC EXPRESSMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1888, Page 8

PUGILISTIC EXPRESSMEN.

A FRACAS AT THE RAILWAY

STATION.

Two rival expressmen named Timothy Hayes and James Trueman appeared before Mr H. C. Baddelcy at tho Police Court this morning, with the object of having the benefit of tho law in respect of an assault alleged to have taken place at the Railway Station on Thursday last. Mr O'Mcagher appeared for tho informant, and Mr H. Williamson for tho accused.

James Trueman was charged that he did on the 10th May last unlawfully assault and beat one Timothy Hayes by rushing at him and striking him on the face with his head, catching him by the arm, tearing his shirt, and striking him in the face with his fist.

Timothy Hayes deposed that both himself and the accused were expressmen. They were at the Railway-station on Thursday last. He undertook to convey some luggage for two passengers. Trueman came to him and said, " What do you want? If you want a smack on the mouth you canhaveit." Truemantbanbumped hishead in witness's face, and afterwards struck him with his fist. Ho (Timothy) tried to get away from Trueman but before he could do so he got " one on the nose " which made that useful member spurt streams of blood. Hayes also exhibited his shirt which he said Trueman tore. He gave Trueman no provocation whatever, but he held Trueman by the hair of his head and stuck hold of him to save himself.

In answer to Mr Williamson, witness said ho recognised Mr Dunbar as one of tho two gentlemen who gave him some luggage to carry. Tho two gentlemen saw Trueman put their luggage on his cart. It was not true that he (witness), rushed at Trueman and hit him first.

George Howard, postal messenger, deposed that lie did not sco the commencement of tho dispute. He saw a scuffle between Trueman and Hayes, and saw Trueman strike Hayes witli the back of his hand. Then there was a scuffle outside of the Railway Station, and Hayes struck Trueman on the face. Trueman called on someone to tako Hayes away, and they were separated.

In answer to Mr Williamson, witness added that ho saw blood on both tho men's faces after the seuf'lo.

John Brown deposed that ho saw two passengers come out of tho train. Hayes asked them for their lucr<_rage, and they told him to " wait a bit." Trueman afterwards was given permission to put the luggage on his cart. Hayes interfered, saying, " I asked for tho job first." Trueman said, "Do you want a slap in the mouth ?" Hayes replied " Do you think you could do it?" Trueman struck Hayes a blow with his fist, which caused blood to flow from his nose. The men then closed and other blows were struck by Trueman. Haye3 got Trueman by tho hair, shoved him up against a cart, and also struck him several blows.

Corroborative evidence was given by David Beckwith and Robert Keenan.

For the defence, evidence was given by Dr. Bayntun, who stated that he had treated the accused for an injury which he said had been inflicted by Timothy Hayes.

Thomas Trueman, the accused, deposed that on Thursday last he was at the Railway Station, and saw another gentleman come out of the Kaipara train. Mr Dunbar told witness to put some luggage in his cart. When witness put the first package on his cart, Hayes said "Do you want a smack on the mouth ?" He told Hayes to mind his own business, but Hayes followed him. Witness shoved Hayes back with his arm, and afterwards rushed ab him, pulled his hair, and cut the side of witness's head with his fist. Hayes also jumped at witness and kicked him with his foot. In consequence of injuries received he had to go to the doctor. Ho gave Hayes no provocation. William Dunbar deposed that he engaged Trueman to carry some luggage. He heard Hayes say that Trueman "doserved a smack in the mouth," and saw the scuffle which ensued. He could not say who struck the first blow.

William Green gave similarjovidonce. He blamed Hayes for interfering with the other man.

Thomas Wilson deposed that he saw the fight, bub did not know who struck the first blow.

His Worship said he was very sony so many people had been kept in Court about such a case as this. It was a trumpery affair, and if there had been a cross-in formation he would have ordered both parties ,o find sureties. Tho ease would bo dismissed. ______________________«--