SERIOUS CHARGES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 111, 12 May 1909, Page 8

SERIOUS CHARGES.

TWO CONSTABLES AS DEFENDANTS. OASES ADJOURNED. A case which excited considerable interest was heard before Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court this afternoon. Two constables, John Edward Watson and Win. Joseph Gardiner, were charged, on the information of Sub-hispecfcor Phair, with having unlawfully assaulted Wm. Eolfe at Wellington on 10th May. The same defendants were also charged, on a separate information, with having assaulted Florence Beatrice Eolfe, at the same time and place. Inspector Ellison appeared to prosecute, and Mr. WHford appeared for the defendants, who pleaded not guilty. Mr. Wilford, at the opening of the proceedings, said the case was an important one. The men, though constables, were in civilian dress at the time. The ,whole of their future depended on the result. The defendants were served with their summonses yesterday morning, he had had two interviews with them, and it was impossible for him_to defend them properly at such short notice. Witnesses from the s.s. Kaipaia had also to be called. An hour or two ago fresh evidence reached him, which he had not had time to trace, and he publicly protested against such extreme haste. Inspector Ellison said two of the witnesses w«re seamen on the Kaipara ; he had no objection to the case being adjourned after their evidence had been heard ,- the vessel leaves Lyttelton for England on the 20th. 'Mr. 'Wilford urged that the defendants were entitled, to have a proper defence put up, even if it involved keeping the witnesses from the Kaipara. His Worship agreed that it was only reasonable that the defendants should have every opportunity of preparing their defence. After discussion, it was decided to adjourn the hearing of the case until 2.15 p.m. on the 17th inst. It is understood that the charges arise out of an incident which took place in thp vicinity of the Post Office on Monday night, when the informant Rolfe took exception to treatment which it is alleged the two defendants were meting out to a third constable— all of whom were "in civilian attire. The female informant is said to have also received some injuries to her face in the disturbance. The two defendants are under suspension pending hearing of the cases.