FIGHT IN PICTON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 24 June 1937, Page 6

FIGHT IN PICTON

THREE MEN INVOLVED CHARGE OF ASSAULT [United Press Association] BLENHEIM, 22nd June. A story of a fight between three men in a street opposite the Picton war memorial oh the afternoon of Sunday, 6th June, which resulted in one of them being admitted to the Picton Hospital with excessive injuries, was unfolded before Messrs G. M. Blizzard and J. L. Jones, J.’sP., at the Picton Magistrate’s Court and hospital to-day.. On the information - of the police, Henry William Smith and Leslie Wilson, both employees of Oxley’s Hotel Were charged with assaulting Charles Herbert Brogden so as to cause actual bodily harm. Brogden’s evidence was taken at hospital, where he is recovering from a broken leg, rib and a fractured nose, which were the chief injuries he received in a struggle in which it is alleged that kicking was resorted to by the combatants. Both accused pleaded not guilty and were committeed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Blenheim. Brogden’s evidence was to the effect that he was working at the Terminus Hotel, while his wife, from whom he was separated, was employed at Oxley's Hotel. He made advances to reestablish amicable relations, but discovered that she was friendly with Wilson. As a result of his meeting with his wife they quarrelled and he struck her. Later, he alleged, the two accused arrived and a fight ensued. He was knocked down and kicked, even after he told his attackers his leg was broken.

The police produced a statement in which the accused admitted fighting, but denied .kicking Brogden. The reason they interfered was that they had been told he had knocked his wife down.

Accused were allowed nominal bail,