Awanui.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 50, 17 July 1906, Page 3

Awanui.

(From our own Correspondent.) On Thursday, the sth instant, the S.M. Court at Kaitaia was a centre of considerable interest to the inhabitants of the district generally, but perhaps more especially to milk suppliers,to the Kaitaia Butter Factory, as a question of liability or non-liability was involved, which was to be decided by the Magistrate. The case Lad been heard at si previous sitting of the Court, but judgment was reserved, as there were many technical points brought up requiring more than usual consideration, inasmuch that two interests were at variance—the. interests of the Association on the one hand, and the interests of suppliers who had agreed under a written memorandum of an agreement to supply a certain quantity of milk on a stipulated basis of richness of butter fat for a stipulated period. These conditions were varied at subsequent meetings of the Executive Committee, but apparently the conditions governing these institutions had not been carried out in their integrity, which proved fatal to the contentions of the institution, and a verdict for the defendant, Mr. Mel. Masters, followed. The judgment was a written one, and filled many pages of foolscap. The Magistrate pointed out the great benefits accruing from these institutions, and advised the settlers to continue their support to the factory, notwithstanding that the verdict was an adverse one to the Society. Mr. Proudfoot appeared in support of the Dairy Factory and Mr. Quartley for the defendant. There were a considerable number of petty cases disposed of, and one case, I. Williamson v. Tony Yudina and other Austrians for trespass, damages and value of gum amounting to £242 7/9, was adjourned to the sitting of the next Couit, September 13th. The assault case, the Police v. E. Donnelly for an assault upon Annie Noble, was held within closed doors, one and all being ordered to leave the Court except those immediately interested and witnesses. This case occupied the greater part of two days, and culminated in the defendant being committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court. Mr. Proudfoot piosecuted on behalf of the police and Mr. Quartley defended. This concluded the business of the present sitting of the Court. A dangerous Maori, Tika Hoiwari, has been brought before* the Magistrate as a dangerous luuatic, and a warrant issued for his confinement in as asylum. It has been noticed that this native has been erratic in Ids conduct for about eighteen months, v and gradually growing dangerous it became necessary for his own safety as well as the public to take the present course. One peculiarity of his delusion is that he thinks lie is entitled to claim anything that he may see or imagines that he requires from his neighbours, and if refused it requires some tact to steer clear of his violence. Happily nothing serious has resulted, but in my opinion be has been put under restraint just in time to prevent a serious tragedy.