THE SWAGGERING GERMAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 59, 10 March 1923, Page 19

THE SWAGGERING GERMAN.

BLOOD WILL TELL. "TOD DIRTY ENGLISH SWIXE." Hans Melnlcke, 24, of Cambridge Park, Twickenham, Middlesex, described as independent and a German citizen, was chargea at -Richmond, Surrey, Police Court the other day with being drunk and disorderly and with assaulting Constable Frank James. Constable James said that Melnlcke approached him saying he felt bad and without any warning hit him violently in the chest, almost knocking him down. Police-Sergeant Clark said that Melnlcke was brought into the police station with his hat and coat off. Melnlcke aimed a blow at him and in trying to avoid It he (tbe sergeant) fell over a stool. 'While he was getting np Melnicke rushed at him again in a threatening manner and saw, "Get rap, yon dirty English swine. 1 will show you." Witness then hit Melnicke IB self-defence. Melnicke had been a lieutenant in tbe German army from 1010 to 1920. Melnlcke said he -v sorry, but he had been wounded In the war. Sergeant Clark: So have I. He was fined £2 for being drunk an* disorderly and £3 for assaulting the police. The police were ordered to report his conduct to the Home Offlce. Two and o-half years ago Hans Melnlcke was allowed to go back to England with his English-born mother on compassionate grounds. He was certified to be permanently disabled, unable to work, and practically bedridden. Mrs. Melnlcke Is the widow of a German. In 1916 her Germanborn son was permanently disabled by wounds while fighting against the Allies. In .11)20 Mrs. Melnldke's parents expressed a strong desire to see their daughter again before they died. Both were about SO. Mrs. Melnicke said she could not travel without I her son, whose life, she believed, depended en her nursing. The Home Office gave the necessary peri mission, an* Mrs. Melnlcke arrived in England in October, 1920, with her son.