SHOOK HANDS

Evening Star, Issue 19291, 2 July 1926, Page 5

SHOOK HANDS

UNUSUAL COURT INCIDENT MB HANLON AS PEACE-MAKER Through tho good offices of Mr Hanlon, who appeared for one of the aggrieved parties, a neighbor’ disputa ended suddenly and very happily for all concerned this morning ifi the Police Court. Tho case looked at the beginning as if it might continue all day, particularly as there was a whole army of witnesses on one side, and a certain amount of bitterness was being imparted into the proceedings. It arose over what appeared to be ft long-stand-ing dispute between . Albert William Parker, well known in New Zealand boxing circles,. and William Pino, a north-end carrier. Tho trouble culminated in an alleged assault on June 19, in Parker and Lawson’s tannery yard, during the visit of Pine in the course of. his business. As a result Parker proceeded against Pine for assault, and Pine returned the compliment. During Pine’s evidence, Mr Hanlon suggested that Pine and Parker should “ shako hands and forgot all about it,” and this both sides agreed to do, after some preliminary objections had been brushed aside. Parker was represented by Mr Hanlon, and Pine by Mr Baylee. Mr. Baylee, in outlining the case, said that, on Juno 19,- Pine went to Parker and Lawson’s to obtain tanning bark. Ho managed to get two loads away without anything happening to destroy the serenity of tho tannery yard, but when he came back on tho third occasion tho “stage was set for a light,” counsel adding that “ the whole of tho Parker clan and adherents” had foregathered to see the proceedings. Mr Baylee explained that the boxer and the equally frisky carrier had indulged in a couple of rounds, but ho regretted that they hadn’t found it convenient to have “fought it to a finish,” instead of getting tho court to referee in the matter. In fact, Mr Baylee expressed himself as sorry that tho old-time pleasantry of trial by battle had been abolished.

William Pine said that some years ago he had an action against Parker and Lawson. The present defendant made a wager of a hat to the effect that ho would lose that action, but he won it. Witness inquired about his hat, hut Parker said he would give him a punch first, but witness had neither collected the hat nor the punch. He frequently passed Parker’s place, and there were plenty of opportunities to have a fight. When witness reached the tannery on Juno 19 the first person he saw was Air Lawson. Ho took two loads without trouble, but when • ho came back for the third load Parker struck him under tiie eye, and asked; “What about the fight now?” Parker rushed at him again, and they clinched. After a variety of blows hud been exchanged, Parker fell down, with witness on top of him. At this stage they had a largo audience, Parker, sen. ? giving instructions to his son from his corner as to when he should get his left in. “ Very valuable information to have, wasn’t it?” asked Mr Baylce. Witness I couldn’t say. Ho explained that seven or eight blows were struck, but when two strangers made their appearance in the arena the fight fans disappeared, and witness considered it wise to do the same. To Air Hanlon; Ho had never been really bad friends with defendant. “ But you were never really friendly?” queried counsel. Witness admitted that Parker had given evidence against him, but he considered that that evidence “ hadn't counted.” “ Wliat was the first thing said?” asked counsel. “The first thing that was ‘said’ was a blow, and I got it,” replied witness. “ Isn’t it more likely that the trouble started over something you had said?” suggested counsel. At this stage Air Hanlon suggested that the parties should shako hands, and try to forget their differences “ Are you willing to do this, Pine? ” asked Mr Hanlon. Witness said ho was quite prepared to do this. Ho loft himself in the i hands of Air Baylce. The Aiagisfratc said that ho would Hike to tell both parties that they could 1 hardly expect much consideration from him if the case was continued. Parker and Pine then shook hands with each other, and the magistrate dismissed both informations.