POLICE COURT.

Bush Advocate, Volume XVII, Issue 25, 31 January 1905, Page 5

POLICE COURT.

(Before Messrs Drummond and Mac-

kay.J's.P.) At the Police Court this afternoon John Riddiford Johnston was charged -with assaulting Thomas Norton by hitting him on the li2ad with a bottle on Saturday night. Sergt. Cruiokshank prosecuted and 3lr Blakiston appeared for the defendant.

' Thomas Norton, who appeared with. Jus head in bandages, deposed that he -was a fireman or labourer, and had been an Dannevirke for a little over a fortaught. He worked for accused for a fortnight. Johnston paid him 20s for the wqrkdone and owed him 25s still. "Witness asked for payment on SaturdayAfternoon and defendant told him he lad not got it. Later on he told him he would, not pay him, but that he could get it somewhere else. . This would be about. s.3o. Witness sayr him : again a Jittle after 10 o'clock in High-street. He again asked accused for money and the accused pulled a beer Ijottle out of his pocket, and after making an objectionable remark he struck witness over the head Trith the bottle, which had some liquor in it. The blow knocked him down on ids hands and knees and partly stunned Jiiin. Johnston walked away and went after him and caught hold of him. Johnston then threw himself on the footpath, and finally ran into Dales' shop, After that he threatened to have witness arrested. Witness then vent to Dr Dawson and had the wound on his head dressed. Witness was " r hard up," and wanted the money to Tray food for Sunday. He still considered that Johnston owed him 255.

The case was proceeding as we went to press.