LITTLE BOY’S CRUELTY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1929, Page 5

LITTLE BOY’S CRUELTY

MAGISTRATE DISMISSES ASSAULT CHARGE. AUCKLAND, Dec. 6. At the Police Court this morning Larkin, of H.M.S. Dunedin, was charged itli assaulting Kenneth Scott, aged four years. Larkin did not appear, but- was represented by counsel. Mr Annstead, of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said that Larkin, together with his wife and sister-in-law, was sitting on the verandah of their home at Devon-' port, when lie saw two small boys throwing a little kitten into a drain. They threw it into the drain several times and pulled it out again by the tail. Larkin remonstrated with the boys. One ran away’ home, and his mother gave him a smacking. Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M.: “That was the proper tiling to do.” Mr Armstead added that Larkin picked up the other boy, Kenneth Scott, and said, “How would you like to be put in tho clrain?” The boy’s arm went into the drain. , Mr Hunt: “Is- that the alleged assault?” “Yes,” said counsel. Sub-Inspector M’Carthy said there was another side to the story. The little boy was only four, and his head and shoulder were dipped into the drain. Mr Armstead said he had three independent witnesses, who would deny that. Mrs Scott gave evidence. She said her little boy came home crying and his head and one shoulder were covered in mud. Larkin told witness that the boy had thrown the kitten in several times, and that he stuck ’ the ' child in too. “The sailor did quite right,” said Mr Hunt. “The case is dismissed.