OFFICER STRUCK.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 August 1924, Page 5

OFFICER STRUCK.

INCITING TO MUTINY. TROUBLE IN REFORMATORY. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) TE AWAMUTU, Aug. 12, Arising out of the sentence imposed last week, upon an inmate of the Waikaria Reformatory for assaulting an officer, another inmate, Patrick Collins, was brought before the Justices, charged with inciting other inmates to mutiny. He pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given by three inmates and the chief warder that Collins on July 27 urged the inmate Jensen to smoke, and if reprimanded to strike th«i officer, adding, “We will look ai€er you.” Next day Jensen assaulted the officer. Collins kept out of the way.

In court this morning Collins declared the evidence was an utter fabrication. He admitted that he had~jokX 'ni_ su Sg e sted smoking, but personally he did not smoke. Jensen smoked and was reprimanded. He did not intend Jensen or the other inmates present to take his remark seriously. Officials stated that they regarded Collins, as a disturbing element and professional agitator. Collins, when further questioned by Constable Doyle, denied having provoked or incited any inmates to commit breaches of discipline. The Bench imposed a sentence of 14 days bread and water.