Fracas at the Aquarium.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 208, 2 September 1893, Page 4 (Supplement)

Fracas at the Aquarium.

Mr Chandor and the Coldstream

Officers,

Swingeing Damages,

(From Our Special Correspondent.)

London, July 7. TnE antecedents of Mr Chandor, the big bruiser and bully whom Hugo Ames engaged to edib the ' Hawk ' after Augustus Moore's collapse, have been recited by mo coo often to need repetition ab any length now. You, no doubt, recollect the serious charges brought against him by a wealthy and philanthropic American lady, and the criminal action for libel which resulted. Mrs Bloowfield Moore (tho dame in question), was actually arrestod and brought) up ab the Police Court, and committed for trial; bub when the crucial moment came at che Old Bailey, Chandor dare not proceed with the case. On Saturday last, this able editor and Mr Amea were defendants in a curious action for libel, broughb againsb them by Lieuts. Marker and Fielding, two officers in tho Coldstream Guards. There were a number of military men in court interested in the proceedings. Two well-known counsel led the rival parties. Mr Bucknill, Q.C., M.P., pressed the case on behalf of the aggrieved officers, and the ' Hawk' sheltered itself behind tho genial form of Mr Frank Lockwood, Q.C., M.P.

Tho case unfolded on bohalE of the plaintiffs was that in February last they wenb to the Aquarium to see a bicycle performance and

The Boxing Kamuaroo,

Mr Chandor and a Mr Dalziel sat in front of them in tho stalls. Thero was some unpleasantness, and Chandor turning round said that they would hear of ib later. As tho officers were leaving the place he accosted them, and said ho had boen insulted by them and demanded an apology. Chandor and his friend followed them about, with tho result that they had to appeal to the managers.

A couple of days aftorwards an article appeared in the 'Pall Mall Gazette' giving an account of the disturbance, and an articlo also appeared in another evening journal. Some laughtor was croated by ib being announced that Chandor wrote to tho officera offering fco ' Bottle tho mafctor abroad.1 Then there was an articlo in the 'Hawk,' in which Mr Chandor gave hia version of the affair. He said he had been

Deliberately Insulted and that Lieuts. Marker and Fielding had made only alamo apology to him. Further he said that they had planned to insult him publicly, and commented upon the fact ho had receivod no roply to his offer to discuss the matter abroad. Ho alleged that Lieut. Fielding had unnecessarily and aggressively placed his hand upon hia arm, but as there were ladies present he simply said ho would see them both outside. Instead of going outside, the officers languidly promenaded tho buildings, though they knew 11 r Chandor and hia friend wore close upon their heels, eager and anxious they should leave tho Aquarium. When they did proceod in the direction of tho turnstile, he wer.;. up to them and.eaid quietly, that as th. had both insulted him.

Hk Demanded an Apology. To his utter consternation they ciied as with ono voice, 'Call a policeman.' He told them policeman or no policeman they must apologise aud eottle the matter outside. This latbor courso they did not choose to adopt, for they returned to the Aquarium end inquired for a policeman. His patience •,raa at last exhausted. The «wo officors sought- shelter in a shooting gallery. As Lioutonanb Fielding raised his hand to push Mr Ghandor aside, Chnndor struck him in the face. Then the attendants intervened and tho parties went into an ofHce. In concluding liia articlo, Mr Chandor tendered hia

Respectful Sympathy to the Guakds, and said they ' as officers and gontleinen wero placed in an extremely unenviable position. Two of their number had ignored their position, lowered the character of Lbo regiment, and degraded the Queen's uniform.'

Lieutenant Ma # rker, a tall, well-groomed young gentleman*, entered the witness-box. He said Chandor obstructed the view of his friend and himself at tho Aquarium, and he was told they wanted to see the show. , Afterwards he tollowcd them about, abueing them, and ultimately Btruck Fielding.

Forbidden to Fight Duels,

In answer to a playful question by Mr Lockwood, witness said officers wore forbidden by the regulations to fight duels.

Other evidence was given to support the plaintifls' case. —Mr Lockv/ood declined to call any witnesses, and so both counsol addressed the jury.—Mr Bucknill was severe upon tho ' Hawk ' and the moans by which it raised its circulation, while Mr Lock wood tailed to see how the officers had been in any way injured by the article.

Tho summing up of Lord Coleridge was short, and was in tlio direction of showing that tho insult Mr Chandor thought ho had received was imaginary. Ho Beomed to have gone 30 far as to provoko and insult tho two officers.

The jury, after a Bhort consultation, returned a verdict for the plaintiffs, awarding them each £1,000 damages. Judgment followed in the usual way.