ASSAULT ON FIREMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19125, 17 September 1925, Page 10

ASSAULT ON FIREMAN.

WELLINGTON SUPERINTENDENT ONE OF "SATAN'S GENERALS." MATRIMONIAL CASE SEQUEL. FINE AND MEDICAL EXPENSES. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Certain events that occurred at the central fire brigade station on August 13 were the subject of investigation in Court to-day, Harry Tait, superintendent of the brigade, appearing on summons to answer a charge of assaulting Theodore De May, * a brigadesman, so as to cause him actual bodily harm. On the application of counsel for the complainant the information was reduced to one of common assault. Messrs. I. Salek and J. Reid, J.P.'s, were on the Bench. Mr. 0. C. Mazengarb appeared for the complainant and Tait was represented by Mr. C. A. L. Treadwell. Mr. Mazengarb said that the defendant had described himself as "one of Satan's generals," and in the events leading up to the information before the Court he had attempted to justify that title. The information was one for assault by the accused as superintendent of the Wellington City Fire Brigade on one of the junior men of the brigade. For some time, said Mr. Mazengarb, the accused had had a difference with his wife, who had lodged a petition in the Supreme Court asking for a judicial separation from him on the grounds of adultery and • cruelty. Certain preliminary proceedings in the Supreme Court were, by order of the Chief Justice, heard in camera on August 12, that decision being reached in view of the nature of the evidence to be led at the trial. As the defendant in the suit withdrew his defence just prior to the hearing it did not become neceieary to lead the evidence on the ground of adultery and De May accordingly did not havo to give evidence. Violent Attack Alleged. On the afternoon of August 13, Tait, as superintendent, sent a message that ho desired to x see De May, who had been present at a fire all night and was then asleep in bed. De May immediately went to Tait's office and after a conversation about the case Tait assaulted him. Dr. L. J. Hunter said he saw De May on August 13. The complainant had several bruises on his face and head. The injuries were such as might have been caused by blows from a fist. Giving evidence, complainant said that when he' entered the office Tait said, "You are making slating remarks about and myself." Witness replied, "I have been subpoenaed to give evidence against you:" It was made plain that the conversation was an unofficial one. Tait said, " You mado disparaging remarks about the chastity of a good woman." Witness replied, " There is not one man _on this earth who will shift me from the "truth." -Tait struck him several blows &nd dazed him to such an, extent that he did not recollect what happened subsequently. As a result of his injuries he was incapacitated for two days. "■ Mr. Treadwell: Was there much argument before the allaged assault on yon took place ?•—-No, not much. Did you raise your, voice at all—l may have. Tait did most of the talking. There was no need for me to talk. Did Tait raise .his voice ?—He always talks loud. , ■ ' f'-'J" Did you say that you would cKb'p Tait up, and go straight for an axe?— No." You don't remember anything that took place after you left the office?— No. When did your recollections cease ? When I got the. " Jack Johnson " blow. Evidence was also given by two members of the brigade) Frank Phillips, a fireman, and Bernard Chapman, a motor mechanic. Chapman, describing one of the incidents, said that Tait-stated, "Let me get at that slug." He was referring to De May. A Polite Dismissal. Giving evidence, defendant said he had been in the fire brigade service for 25 years and had been superintendent for 14 years. He had sent for De May in order to ascertain his attitude-in regard to the other proceedings. As a result of what De May told him, Tait told him that he was disappointed in him and that he thought his action was contemptible. Tait then rose to open the door and as he passed De May the latter made a lunge at him. They closed and an altercation ensued. De May threatened to cut witness up with an axe. Mr. Mazengarb: You say that you have not had a black mark against you ?—Not in my official capacity. Did you not in your office a little while ago threaten one of your officers?— No. You were annoyed with De May?— No. I was merely interested. Do you always courteously open the door when firemen are leaving yoUr office ?—I often do. • Tait said that De May had endeavoured to hit him, but had found himself unequal to the occasion. Mr. Mazengarb: Have you ever de scribed yourself as one of Satan's general's?— Once, when I was sending my-daughter some money and telling her to have a good time. The Bench: That doesn't matter. Mr. Treadwell: Well, you are a fire superintendent and Satan is supposed to be mixed up with fire. The justices deferred their finding till the afternoon, and then said that they were of the opinion that the defendant should be convicted on the charge of assault. It was. regrettable that a man in Tait's. position shortH so far forget himself as to commit an' assault. The defendant would be fined £5 and costs,- including medical expenses. ,