PEERING IN A WINDOW.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 96, 24 April 1928, Page 11

PEERING IN A WINDOW.

MAN CAUGHT BY "MR. SPEAKER."

DAUGHTER ALSO ENTERS

STRUGGLE.

EXPLANATIONS IN COURT

(By Telegraph.—Own Oorrespotulfwt)

DUNEDIN, Monday.

William Henry Reay, a sign writer, who was charged in the Police Court with having been found without lawful excuse in an enclosed yard, told the police, who arrested him that he had been drinking, and he could not remember anything until he was struck by Miss Statham- daughter of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Chief-Detective Cameron said that while Miss Statham was retiring to bed at 12.30 a.m. on Sunday, she noticed someone peering in the window from the shrubbery. .She immediately informed her father, Sir Charles Statham, who ran out of the house, and was in time to catch a man near his daughter's window. Sir Charles seized him, and a fierce struggle followed. Sir Charles was dragged out through the gate and on to the avenue, where the two rolled over on the road. Miss Statham attempted to help her father, and after following the two men out on to the road, dealt Reay several blows on the face, but he managed to break free. Sir Charles was not hurt.

The Chief-Detective pointed to several bruises and a cut on Reay's face, stating that these had been received during the struggle.

The Magistrate (to the accused): Have you anything to say? Accused: No, sir, only this, I had far too much drink. I was slipping and tailing as I went across the field, and I remember nothing more until I came to my settees in the grounds of the house with someone holding on to me. I did not know at that time that the house belonged to Sir Charles Statham. I have nothing to hide, and have not been in any other trouble in my life. The magistrate ordered the police to detain Reay in custody until Friday and have him medically examined by the gaol surgeon.