A DOMESTIC UPHEAVAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14016, 23 March 1909, Page 3

A DOMESTIC UPHEAVAL.

ROW IN A NEWTON HOME.

A LIGHTED LAMP THROWN;

The residence of Mrs. Hannah Campbell, East-street, Newton, was, the scene ot much commotion on Saturday evening, according to facts, elicited by Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M., at the Police Court yesterday. • ; '..'.,

Henry Campbell, aged about 40, with a sturdy appearance, and a great deal to say when given the opportunity of questioning witnesses, pleaded not guilty to a charge of having committed an aggravated assault upon his wife, by striking her on tho face with a lamp.

Hannah Campbell, upon whose chin was the imprint of a severe blow, apparently with some sharp object,' informed , the Court, that some time ago she secured a separation order, also a prohibition order, against her husband, and except on occasions when he brought money for herself and children, in compliance with' the order of the Court, she did not allow him to come to the house. However, on returning home at about a-quarter to nine on Saturday evening, she found the accused in her bed, and immediately order'ed him out of the place, enforcing her demand by "hammeiing" him across the legs with an umbrella. Mr. Kettle : Were you perfectly sober "Of course I was." The accused, continued,, the witness, refused to budge, stating he had been kicked by a horse, and reaching out of bed he picked up a lighted kerosene lamp and threw it at her, with the result that it broke on her face, , and caused a profuse bleeding. Witness at once went to tha police station, and reported the matter. Besides the severe cut on her face, the kerosene from the burning lamp blistered her chest. (This statement was verified by the police matron). Henry Mnndy, a workman, who, with his wife, occupies rooms adjoining those of Mrs. . Campbell, deposed to having heard the complainant order the accused to leave the house. Shortly after there was a smash, and Mrs. Campbell ran into witness' rooms with a badly cut face. The accused did not deny having thrown the lamp, and wanted to assist in bathing the injured face. ■ * The evidence of the police showed that the accused was found lying underneath the house. He appeared to have been drinking, and was arrested. The accused swore positively that he did not throw the lamp, as alleged. Further, he said he had been in the habit of visiting the house at intervals, and had slept there since the separation order was taken out. ..When his wife came in and started thrashing him, he was lying quietly in bed smoking and reading the paper. His wife's face was injured through her swaying against the door. ..'. In reply to Sub-Inspector Hendrey,, the accused admitted two previous charges of wife beating. \ % '- . Mr. Kettle said, it was clear from the evidence that the accused threw the lamp at his wife. : The latter was trying to lead a decent and sober life, and Campbell, who ' was a troublesome man when under the influence of liquor, had not the common sense ,to refrain from interfering with her,. But for the fact that he was attacked by his wife, he would have been sent to gaol. Under the circumstances, however, he would be bound over in two sureties of £25 each, to keep the peace towards his wife. Campbel 1 asked as a favour *of the Com that he should be allowed to "see his children once a week at Sunday-school." The magistrate said the case would be inquired into: \