No Prosecution for Chateau Fracas

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 250, 23 October 1935, Page 4

No Prosecution for Chateau Fracas

CIVIL ACTION LIKELY PREMIER’S STATEMENT (Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, Last Night. A statement that there was nothing to warrant a prosecution arising out ot tho recent fracas at Chateau Tongariro but that a civil action was contemplated was made in Lie House of Representatives this afternoon by the Prime Minister (lit. Hon. G. \V. Forbes).

"In view of the fact I hat reference lias been made in the House to a recent incident at tho Chalcau Tongariro, l desire to make a statement setting out (he taels as they are at present known,'’ said Mr. Forbes. "At about 1 a.in. on (September 6 Mr. Fob be aud a guest at the Chateau (who had tonic from the Hawke’s Bay district) had an altercation ivhicli resulted in an exchange of blows, There were no Avituesscs of the incident, and the only available statements, which are those of the participants, are so conflicting .as to render it impossible at this stage to form a judgment in connection uitli the happening. 1 understand that Mr. Cobbe contemplates taking civil proceedings against the other party. So Jar as criminal proceedings arc concerned, Mr. Cobbe has not up to the present made any complaint or laid any information that Avouhl justify tho police in commencing a prosecution, in tho absence of such a complaint t information there is no available material that Avarrants action by the police.

A mischievous rumour has been circulated to tho effect that a certain gentleman occupying a high position m Wellington was involved in tho fracas. All the evidence (including tho admission of Mr. Cobbe himself) shows that the gentleman iu question did no more than attempt to separate the contestants and restore peaee and order. "In view of proceedings by Air. Cobbe against the other party, it would be unfair both to him and to the other party Avere I at this stage, and before the matter is brought out in evidence before a Magistrate, to go into further details, as these no doubt Avili be fully and publicly elucidated in open Court.’’