THE LANDLORD GALLS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10847, 12 March 1921, Page 7

THE LANDLORD GALLS

TENANT USES A BROOM. SEQUEL IN THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT. Arising probably out of tho acute house shortage prevailing at present, an action heard pefore Mr 1 1 -. lv. Hunt, S.M., yesterday, had a tinge of humour despite the seriousness of the parties conoerned. l’eter Romhill, a retired farmer, proceeded against Helen Owen for alleges assault, causing actual bodily harm. Romhill, it was stated, was the landlord, and Mis Owen rented apartments from#um. , „ Mr 'O'Donnell appeared for the complainant, who alleged that he went to the house to inspect some grillers which were not in a satisfactory condition. When witness informed defendant that he had come to inspect the grillers she had greeted him with "getout of here," and further, witness alleged, she had attacked him with a short broom and “hammered him along the passage." He was struck a nuihber of times, and received injuries to his,head. A blood-stained shirt, which he was wearing on the occasion of the dispute, was produced in court. Replying to a question by Mr Treadwell. who appeared for the defendant, witness said: “Ever since I was struck I have never been the same, and have not been myself since; I am not myself to-day.” Mr Treadwell: No; I don’t think you are. Mr Treadwell: How many times were you struck ? Witness: I can't tell you; I was half sti. nned Mr Treadwell ■ Drunk? Witness (indignantly): What do you mean? —with drink. EVIDENCE. FOR DEFENCE. Helen Owen, defendant, said that Romhili had bullied her over the rent, and a lot of ill-feeling had' arisen between them. On the occasion in question she had struck him in self-defence, alleging that he had threatened her on this and on previous occasions. Evidence of other witnesses was to the effect that Romhill was as a rule polite and in no way abusive in the house. His Worship m summing up said that apparently considerable ill-feeliiig had sprung up between the parties, and it was evident that Mrs Owen had used some force on the occasion in question. He would not inflict a fine but ordered her to pay the costs, £2.