EXTRAORDINARY ASSAULT CASE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1156, 27 April 1894, Page 33

EXTRAORDINARY ASSAULT CASE.

Tho Rev W. J. Habens, InspectorGeneral of Schools, had an unpleasant experience in tho Government iiuildings on Friday afternoon (April 20.) Shortly after 2 o'clock a man named Isaiah Fake, a plasterer, rushed into Mr Habens' room, and impetuously showed him a telegram ho had received from Mr Win. Evans, farmer, Winton, Southland, stilting that his (Fake's) son had been drowned. Mr Habens replied that he was exceedingly sorry to hear such very bad news, to w r hioh Fako replied: "Exceedingly sorry ! and what about me ? Sorry ! You're a rev gentleman; you are a murderer." As tho man appeared to be in a very excited condition, Mr Habens crossed the room and rang for a messenger, when Fake rushed at him, catching him by the whiskers and necktie. Tho sounds of tho scuillo attracted tho attention of Mr Smithers and Mr R. Pope, who immediately rushed in to seo what was the matter. Smithers caught Fako round tho waist, and a rough and tumble took place, Fake's son, who accom-

panied him, trying to pacify his father and attempting at the same time to make the others loose their hold of him. Mr J. E. Smith, of tho Treasury, who had also put in an appearance, tripped young Fake up, and held him down on the iioor for a time, but let him go after a few minutes. By this time tho whole floor was in a turmoil, and spectators came from all quarters, attracted by the sounds of the conflict. Eventually, Constable Bishop arriving, Fake was taken into custody. Later on he was taken before Mr Martin, S.M., and charged with inflicting actual bodily harm on Mr Habens. Tho ease was adjourned until Monday, but in consequence of tho oxcitablo state the man was in, His Worship refused for the present to allow bail. It appears that some years ago Ernest Fake, son of the accused, was committed to tho Burnham Industrial School, whence he absconded and found his way home. Ho was then licensed out to his father, but about two years ago ho was again sent away, this time to the Caversham Industrial School, as his father had complained of his treatment at the other school. Subsequently he was licons;c<l out to Mr Wm. Evans, farmer, of Winton, Southland, who on Friday telegraphed to Mr Fake the sad news of his son's death by drowning. Mr Habens says he has heard nothing of the affair, and has telegraphed to Mr Evans for particulars. Accused was brought before the Court on Monday, and remanded till Friday.-'