BOARDER AMD BAKER.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 213, 8 September 1923, Page 6

BOARDER AMD BAKER.

A MIDNIGHT STRUGGLE. BAKER USES KNIFE. "HIS CARE DOUGH/ A strange story of a midnight struggle was related in the Police Court this morning by Sergeant Rowell, w h ea William Walter Anderson (27) wa , charged with assaulting William Ferguson. Accused was a baker, said the sergeant, and his bakehouse was near Mi residence. With them hoarded 4 lodger named Ferguson. Mr. F. K. Hunt. S.M.: Oh, indeed! Thi> baker's wife had been in the bake, house with her husband at about 9 o'clock last night, and she then retired, leaving accused working. At some time near midnight, said Sergeant Kowell, accused sent word that he wanted his wife in the bakehouse. The wife did not like to go alone, being frightened, so she asked the border, Ferguson, to got out with her. When they arrived at the bakehouse accused lost his temper and sprang at Ferguson a struggle ensuing. When the couple arrived accused was cutting .dough with an old table kniie, which, however. h»4 a very keen edge. Accused retained the knife in his hand, and slashed Fergueon's face with it, said the sergeant It seemed clear that the cut was b> flicted during the struggle. The little affair ended wijih Ferguson being chased down the street by accused, who was later arrested. His Worship: He had better change his board. Mr. R. Singer (for accused): Otheiw wise his cake might be dough! (laughter.) His Worship: Well, he sent for hii wife and got the boarder instead. You can't wonder. Mr. Singer submitted tnat accused was a respectable man, of industrious habits. He had never been in trouble like this before. It was probably the outcome of nervous strain, since he had been working day and night for weeks. Sergeant Rowell: There was evidently something in this man's mind, sir, fc» cause he threatened to kill both of them. His Worship: Oh, but the Knife he U3ed was his working knife. That makeg a difference —not the came a3 if he picked up a knife, or carried one about, Mr. Dickson begge2 permission to be heard, although he had no standing in the case. Ferguson, the victim, had been his client for a long time, and counsel knew there was trouble in the household. The husband and wife were about to separate. There was na other way out of it. Mr. Hunt, S3I-, did not TegaTd tie matter as very serious. Accused Sad probably lost his temper, and lad not meant to stab Ferguson. He would U fined 40/. in default three days.