ALLEGED THREAT BY SEAMAN: WARNING FROM BENCH

Grey River Argus, 19 October 1948, Page 2

ALLEGED THREAT BY SEAMAN: WARNING FROM BENCH

A seaman Horn the Kaimai. who allegedly threatened to “get” a witness against him, was warned that nt wouici gut into serious trouole if he attempted to assauic me witness. '1 lie waiamg was given in the Greymoutli Ponce wuuii. yesterday, by i>w J. H. bioith, J.F., who, with Mr W. H. J. Watson, J.H, heard a charge oi assault and one of using indecent .language against John Joseph Allen, 22. in fining Allen £5 on each charge, Mr Worth said that such cases were becoming far too common in Greymouth. ? “it is usual to impose a term of imprisonment in these cases, but as there seems to have been some provocation, the court will impose fines. I warn you, however, Allen, that it you make any attempt to assault the witness Uonaidson, as he alleges, you will- be seriously dealt with,” said Mr North. According to William Kenneth Doiiulusoii, railway employee, he ano two friends were having supper in rtopoie’s Gate, Mawhera Quay, about 12. rd a.in. on Sunday. Alien and four other seamen were at another table, and were using oad language., Two women left the cafe, and in passing Alien’s table told the men not to use such language and to behave themselves.

“1 laughed,” said Donaldson,” and Allen came over and demanded an apoiogy and invited me outside. 1 told him 1 did not want to fight, and when 1 put my hat on, he picked it oft my head and threw it on the floor. He then punched me in the stomach.” Donaldson added that one of, his eonipaiuoiis, Wniiani James Kirby, rauwuy employee stood up, and Alien punched iimi ana knocked him to the iiuo--. Aitei that, said Donaldson, Allen threatened to “get” him if hi gave evidence against mm. Allen who pieaued guilty deniedthat he had threatened Donaldson, and added that there were no women in the cure ai me lime.