Scandalous Proceedings.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13522, 5 October 1916, Page 2

Scandalous Proceedings.

SHOUTISir AS USUAL,

CHRIST. CHURCH, Oct. 3.

Evidence at £he inquest on John Finlay to-day showed tnat there had been '.'shouting'' in the hotel in which the incident happened. Mr H. W. Bishop, Coroner, remarked to the police: "Of course, yoa will take notice of the scandalous on ceedings in this licensed house in connection with treating. '' The senior-sergeant: "The police have that in hand."

"To my mud." said Mr Bishop, "a person who deliberately breaks the law in this marner by permitting 'shouting' deserves the severest condemnation. The person who condones the offence, too, i' as bad. The State made this law for a set purpose, and those who trans;.: ess it at this time of tension ghoul be punished severely." Ihiring the course of the inquest William Black, a land-agent, residing at Lincoln Road Christehurch, said he was at the Cafe de Paris on the evening in question. He went to meet two men, Hendricks and Simpson. Ho met ! them. To the left of where they were standing he saw Charles Graham and two other men, one of whom he recognised as a man (pointed out in Court) named Collins. A little later two men Lillico and Foster, came in. Lillico, who was well-known to witness came over to speak w:'th him. During the conversation some argument arose on the left, seemingly between Graham and Foster. Graham appeared to want to go for Fester, remarking that Foster owed him something* Foster went out of the bar. Witness caught hold of Graham's arm and said: "There is no need to be looking for him." The deceased (Finlay) then came forward, caught hold of Graham's arm and pulled him away from witness. Graham swung round to throw Finlay off. Finally fell on a chair as he was pushed off by Graham. It appeared as though Graham pushed Pinlay on the chest. Finlay looked upset, as though ho were in a fainting condition. He was taken outside to revive. Witness had a shandygaff. He knew Charles Graham well. Graham appeared to be sober. He could not say that he \showed Iftigns of drink. Finlay was taken into the right-of-way. He was (helped out. Witness followed, and asked Finlay how he felt. Finlay replied that he felt better. He asked if a man with him (Collins) was his friend. Finlay replied that he was, and that Collins would see him heme. He spoke to Graham afterwards. Graham asked how Finlay wis, and remarked that he would not do him an injury, as he had known Finlay for thirty years. Mr J. J. Dout,all, who stated that he appeared in the interests of Finlay's relatives, asked witness if Graham had made any effort to help Finlay out. Witness replied that he did not, beyond making inquiries. Roland George Collins, a salesman, of 23, Cashel Street, Christehurch, .stated that he was a friend of deceased, though he had not known him long. He left the boarding-house where Finlay and he stayed at eight o'clock on the Wednesday evening in question. Finlay was then in good health and sober, and had baa no drink that day to his (witness's) knowledge. Witness detailed their movoments leading to their entry to iho Cafe de Paris, where, at the b";.r, deceased called for a drink for himself and one for witness. Finlay had a small drop of whisky. The drinks were paid for by Finlay. Graham was standing at the bar, next to Finlay, who recognised him (Graham). Graham invited witness and deceased to drink. They all drank. There was a third round supplied by the barmaid. Witness saw Foster enter the bar and stand near Graham. Foster made some remark about Charlie Graham, of Timaru. Words seemed to become heated. Grahah said: "Don't annoy me." Graham caught hold of Foster and pushed him. Witness did not know what was said. Finlay went up to Graham and spoke to him. Witness did not know what was said. Finlay motioned to Foster to leave the bar. Finlay was holding Graham. As Foster went out of the side door, Graham made after him, and Finlay was pulled along by Graham. When opposite three chairs, Graham turned round suddenly and struck Finlay oa the left jaw. Finlay collapsed into one of the chairs. The blow was struck by Graham as resenting Finlay 'a interference. Witness attended to Finlay, who was unconscious. Witiiess was assisted by Simpson. Cold water was applied to Finlay 's head. After a few minutes Finlay was enabled to walk out, leaving > witness's arm. They remained in the right of-way for about a quarter of an hour. Graham came into the right-of-way just before they left and said: "This is not the man I hit?" and someone replied "Yes." Graham wanted to take Finlay's arm, but witness told Graham to go away. He would take Finlay home. They then left and walked down Cashel Street towards the river. Deceased complained on the way and said said his jaw was dislocated. A little latter deceased said the jaw had clicked back into its place again.. He said he felt dizzy and unwell. Witness and deceased returned to the hotel to tell tho barmaid that deceased was much better. On returning they were "treated" by one of the barmaids. Whisky was placed in deceased's glass but he did not drink it. To Mr Bishop: They remained ten minutes in the bar on the return. The customary barmaids wore there and about twenty persons. i