FARMERS AT VARIANCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume VL, Issue 3132, 9 February 1934, Page 5

FARMERS AT VARIANCE

FIGHT AT WAITAKARURU. SEQUEL HEARD IN COURT. As a sequel to a fight on the Canal Road stojpbank, Waitakaruru, on January 5, two middle-aged farmers of Waitakaruru appeared in the Thames Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr F. W. Platts, S.M., charged with fighting in a public place. They were George Innes Paton and James Lennan. Mr P. Jensen appeared for Paton, who pleaded not guilty, and Mr C. J. Garland for Lennan, who admitted the offence. Sergeant J. F. H. Macnamara stated that the fight occurred as a result of an allegation by Lennan that Paton had stolen two of his heifers. Constable C. H. Clifford, of -Kerepeehi, produced two statements made by the defendants, in which both admitted fighting. James Casey, a neighbour of the two accused, said he saw the two men fighting. The fight was “willing,” and lasted for about a quarter of an hour.

In evidence, Paton said that Lennan was the aggressor. Lennan had had ample opportunity of looking over witness’ herd to see if the heifers were there.

To Mr Garland, witness said that he dropped his hat and a rope when the other man assumed a fighting attitude.

The magistrate held that both men were equally culpable and would be convicted and fined 20s and costs 20s each.—Thames Star.