FAMILY SQUABBLE

Evening Star, Issue 21718, 12 May 1934, Page 9

FAMILY SQUABBLE

CHARGES AGAINST SON-IN-LAW The charge by Anna Groves (Mr B. S. Irwin) against Arthur M'Leod (Mr C'. J. L. White) of using indecent language in the Puketeraki Hall at a, dance on Easter Saturday was concluded by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., m the Police Court yesterday afternoon. On behalf of the defence, Mr White submitted that the case should be dis< missed, on the ground that the information had been laid out of spite. The informant could gain no benefit by the prosecution. Moreover, it was significant that she was the defendant’s mother-in-law. The laying of the information was simply a malicious, spiteful action on her part. The Magistrate held that there was a case to answer.

Defendant, a labourer, said there had been litigation over matrimonial affairs just prior to the dance evening. He invited Joseph Groves to go outside, as he wanted to talk to him. Complainant said: “Don’t talk to that • mongrel.” She could swear “ worse than a bullock driver.” He rfetorted: “ I am not a rotten parasite like you.” She jumped up and, hit him, and ha told her to keep cool. She went to the door and called a man in, and he left the hall. He declared that informant had gone to the dance for the purpose of causing trouble between people, as she did not dance. She had tried to trip him when he was dancing. The only obscene language used was used by informant. M'Leod was severely cross-examined by Mr Irwin, and expressed his opinion in no uncertain terms of his mother-in-law'.

After reviewing the evidence, the Magistrate said lie was convinced that the defendant had used the expression complained of. His evidence was most unsatisfactory. In the circumstances, however, he would adjourn the matter for twelve months, conditional on the defendant’s undertaking not to go near the informant during that period, and to defray the costs of the action (£5 3s) within a month.