AVERSE TO BREAKING STONES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 172, 23 July 1890, Page 5

AVERSE TO BREAKING STONES.

A PRISONER TRIES TO ESCAPE.

A tall, healthy-looking man named Arthur Windus appeared at the Police Court this morning, before Dr. Giles, R.M., to answer to the charge of having used violent and threatening language towards his wife, Elizabeth Windus. He pleaded nob guilby. Mrs Windus deposed bhab her husband used bhreabening language bowards her, broke bhe window and threw some articles at her. He got into the house last week and book several things. He was not contributing towards her support. Defendant was sworn, and when asked why he did nob work, replied, "I don't choose to work for fools."

Dr, Giles warned him nob to talk that way, otherwise he mighb find himself committed to gaol for contempt of Courb. Defendanb then quietened, and said that he did certainly go to his wife's house because he wanted some bedding. He did not hurt his wife. He could not geb work.

Dr. Giles said he believed bhere was some reason for Mrs Windus' applicabion, although perhaps she mighb have magnified matters somewhat. He would, however, hear the other case. ... .'

Arthur Windus was further charged with having failed tp comply with an order of the Court thab he should conbribute towards the support of his wife and family. John Strathern, Visibing Officer of bhe Charibable Aid Board, deposed thab defendant's family were assisbed by bhe Board. He had offered defendant work ab stonebreaking, but he would not take ib.

Windus: "No, I'll go to sheol before I go to stone-breaking again." Dr. Giles again cautioned defendant not to interrupt proceedings. Windus was then sworn, when he Bbated that he could not geb work himself. He had been without food four days at a time.

Dr. Giles said be had no doub. the defendant was quite prepared to loaf in any way he could, and leave his wife to struggle to maintain the children, and never lift a finger to assist her. He could also go to the house and take away things for his own use. He had nob shown bhe slightesb disposition to support his family. Unless bhe arrears were paid wibhin a week defendant must do two months' hard labour, and in regard to the other complaint he musb find sureby for £25 bhab he would keep bhe peace for three months, or the usual default.

As the constables were taking the prisoners down from Court to the police station, Windus suddenly dashed away down High-street in fine style. He was closely followed by Constable Addison. As Windus had the handicap, betting was rather in his favour. However, just in front of the Charitable A£d Board offices he sab down and waited till Addison overtook him. As a matter of fact, he took his seat semewbab suddenly, and wibhoub intending ib, as his feeb slipped from under him.

The funeral of James Andrews, on whose Body an inquest was held yesterday, took place this afternoon. The body was conveyed from the premises of MrH.T. Garratt, East-street, Newton, to Waikomiti Cemetery, where the Rev. C. M. Nelson conducted the service ab the grave. Mr Garratt, District Secretary of the Foresters, conducted the funeral, which was attended by members of Court Zealandia (of which deceased was treasurer) and representatives of other Courts. There were also present a number of other friends of deceased, and Mrs Andrews followed as chief mourner.