SCUFFLE WITH RANGERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22406, 30 April 1936, Page 14

SCUFFLE WITH RANGERS

MAN AND WIFE CHARGED STICKS USED ON SEARCHERS i [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION] INVERCARGILL, Wednesday The Magistrate's Court was occupied all day to-day with tho hearing of charges of assault and obstruction against Louis Fosbender, of New River Ferry, and his wife, Margaret Fosbender. The charges arose out of a visit by rangers of tho Southland Acclimatisation Society to tho Fosbenders' home on the evening of April 23 to search for grey duck alleged to have been taken out of season. It was stated that while at the Fosbenders', the rangers, who were accompanied by a constable, were 1 obstructed in their duty, and during a scuffle between the parties, Ranger Duncan was struck on the head and arm by a blow from a stick carried by Fosbender, while Constable Cromie was struck on the head with a stick carried by Mrs. Fosbender. Only one duck wf.s found in the search, but it was stated in evidence that there were more in the house. Fosbender was also charged with taking grey duck out of season. Half-way through the evidence for the defence Mr. G. F. Reed, counsel for defendants, stated that ho wished to alter tho original pleas of not guilty to guilty. The charge of obstruction was withdrawn, and fines totalling £26 2s were imposed.