VILLAGERS’ FEUD

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 February 1927, Page 12

VILLAGERS’ FEUD

FIGHTING MOUNTAINEERS.

The slopes of Alt. Egmont are not usually regarded as a place for a fight, but apparently two residents of Taranaki recently had .a pugilistic encounter. Judging by the story of the episode, which was told in the Magistrate’s Court, the two clinched early in the combat; and, there being no referee to make them “break,” a good rough-and-tumble occurred. David Richards, a storekeeper, of Toko, was climbing the mountain alone. When he was near the top of Fantham’s Peak, he encountered Arthur John Griffiths, a blacksmith of Toko, coming down. A small boy accompanied Griffiths. The storekeeper alleged that he first accosted the blacksmith by referring to the weather, and by inquiring if he had been to the top of the mountain. The reply of the village blacksmith was rather forceful. First, he said, “Here’s the chance of a life-time. Now that I have you to yourself, I am going to empty you over that precipice.” Removing his coat, he used his fists and strength to good effect.

Richards immediately called out to some women who were higher up. In the meantime, the two had gripped each other by the hair and throat. Richards alleged that Griffiths called out to the boy, “Now put the boot in.” But the youngster got frightened and ran down the mountain for help. From the evidence it apepared as if trade jealousy had been the cause of the trouble, though ibis was denied by the blacksmith. The Magistrate said he had intended binding both Griffiths and Richards over to keep the peace, but in view of the statement, of counsel that the defendant Griffiths had sold his business and would leave the district soon, the charge of assault would be dismissed.