LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9335, 19 October 1893, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

POLICE Wednesday. [Before Dr. Giles, R.M.I Drunkenness.—One first offender was fined 5a and costs, or in defaulb 24 hours' imprisonment. Eliza McGinn was fined 40." and costs, or 14 days' hard labour. Alleged Abusive Language.—Arthur Lloyd was charged that on the sth October at Waikomiti, he, used threatening and abusive language towards William Appleton. Mr. S. Heaketh appeared for the complainant, and Mr. W. J. Napier appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Mr. Hesketh in opening for the prosecution, briefly stated the facts of the case. The contending parties were residents of Waikomiti. On the morning of the sth the Appleton boys were taking several head of cattle to the pound. On the way there they were met by the defendant, who drove the cattle into the bush. The father of the lads came on the scene, and asked the defendant why he had stopped the lads. The defendant then used abusive language to the complainant, and threatened to cut him to pieces with his sheath knife. The complainant and his family were afraid that he would do them bodily harm. A large number of witnesses were examined for the prosecution. Mr. Napier, in opening for the defence, denied the defendant had in any way interfered with the complainant. The defendant, on being sworn, said on the morning of the sth October he heard considerable noise outside his house. He went out and saw one of the Appleton boys driving some of his (witness') cattle down the road. He asked the lad what he was doing with the animals ? The boy's father, who was a short distance off, cried out " hib him on the head with the whip." Witness replied, "that is nob a single game, or a child's game." The complainant said he would slash witness over the head with the billhook that he had in his hand. Witness replied if you use a thing like that, I will be compelled to defend myself. Witness drew his knife. The complainant threatened to throw the bill-hook at him. Witness said, "I don't think you will, whilst I have this in my hand." Witness asked him to throw down his weapons, and have it out in the old English style with his fists. He threw his knife on the ground, and again challenged the man to fight. The complainant again . flourished the hook. Witness closed upon him. In the struggle witness fell among some bush lawyers, and got his shirt torn and his face cub. Several witnesses also gave evidence on behalf of the defendant. Dr. Giles said he did not believe for a moment thab the defendanb would have taken out his knife had he not apprehended violence. He thought if any of the parties needed protection, it was the defendant. The case would be dismissed with costs.