DISPUTE AMONG FARMERS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25244, 24 July 1947, Page 8

DISPUTE AMONG FARMERS

SIX PERSONS INVOLVED IN FIGHT

TWENTY CHARGES HEARD IN MAGISTRATE’S COURT

IP.A.) NELSON. July 23. Twenty charges arising out of one set of circumstances, a fracas between neighbouring farmers in the Maruia valley, near Murchison, occupied the attention of Mr T. E. Maunsell. S.M., at the Murchison sitting of the Magistrate’s Court. Alma Olga Terrill, aged 65, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment on a charge of presenting a firearm with intent to do bodily harm. Edward Christian Morbeck. aged 65. was fined £lO for assault, defendant being granted leave to appeal. Other charges of assault, brought by the participants in the fight against each other, and claims for damages, were adjourned. The evidence showed that Rolfe J. Terrill. accompanied by Douglas G. Norriss and Arthur R. Norriss went to the farm of Mrs Terrill for a bull. A dispute arose between Morbeck an employee on the farm, and Rolfe Terrill, part owners of Ihe bull. A fight ensued, in which Terrill suffered a cut head when he was hit with a batten. In response to Morbeck's call. Mrs Terril] brought a shotgun from the house. James Russell, who was staving on the farm, joined in. Boards, battens, a shotgun. stones, and bare fists were used by the participants. The trouble stopped on the arrival of the Murchison policeman.