S.M. COURT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7544, 20 August 1902, Page 2

S.M. COURT.

Wednesday, August 20th.

(Before Messrs Sutton and Davidson, J's.P.)

JUDQMBNT FOR PLAINTIFFS.

Adamtjon and Co. (Mr Welsh) v. Wm. Taylor, claim £1 lla 6d and costs. A, J. Jury v. G. Lennox, claim J64 and costs.

ASSAULT.

George Harris was charged with having, on August 2ad, assaulted John Chesswas, by striking him in the eye with bis fist. Defendant did not appear. Mr Welsh appeared for plaintiff, and explained the circumstances of the assault.

John Cbesswas stated he was foreman on Russell and Bignell's contract at O'Neill's Hotel. On the day in question, through wet weather, he had told defendant -that there was no work for him. After a few words, the defendant struck him in the eye, and knocked him down. Defendant had threatened Co strike him, and witness dared him to do it at his cost.

Robt,. Tait, chemist, stated that when defendant came to him his right eye was very much swollen, badly discolored, and bleeding from a slight cut. He bathed and bandaged it up. John C. Clark, carpenter, stated he was working at his bench in the building on the day in ,<jueßtjon and heard defendant ask the Foreman (complainant) if there was any work. Did not catch the reply, but heard defendant ask complainant what sort of a man he was, and threaten to strike him. The cpmplainant dared him to do it. Then heard the sound of a blow, and, turning roupd, saw the complainant on the floor. The Bench considered it a most unprovoked and cowardly assault, and fined the defendant £5 and costs £1 4s 6d, or, in default, one month's imprisonment. After the case waß finished, the defendant appeared, and stated he had been waiting outside the Court and did not know the cose bad been called on. He asked for time for payment, as he was out of work. ' The Bench, after conferring, agreed to allow two months. The defendant t '* I can't pay it in that time." The Court adjourned.