TEMPLETON TERRORS.

NZ Truth, Issue 105, 22 June 1907, Page 6

TEMPLETON TERRORS.

Making it Hot for Collins.

In the little township of Templeton, out of Ohristchurch, there is a band of brave youths who are the bane of storekeeper Fred Collins, especially on the holy Saw-bath when,' they should be indulging m devout exercises for the good of their souls, and the parson's pocket. They play childish tricks on Collins and annoy him, and make his bald head grey, und cause him to taJlf vociferously to Policeman Main who doe's duty thereabouts, and whose office is on his saddle, but the irate vendor of sauce and soap could stand it no longer the other day, and summon-' ed John Watson, a curly headed youth for threatening him , using these words, "If you take proceedings against me I will come up and give you a b good hiding, and break up yiour show." Defendant stepped along smilingly and jauntily at the Christchurch Police Court and denied the charge. Collins complained of the acts of larrikinism on the part of the Temple|ton ''push," saying that he had suffered for some time. On the Sunday m question the defendant rode up on horseback, and got alongside his premises which are built back oft the footpath level. There were six other young fellows there, but he was the ringleader.. Watson knocked at the door, and when _iie_op©nM—tir.they all laughed. He told Watson to get away from his premises, and the reply was that he would go when he liked. .Threatened him with tlie police, and he said, "If you take proceedings against me I will come up and give you a b good hiding, I'll smash up your show." But that threat didn't affect him, and a blue paper followed.

In cross-examination Collins denied that he was on pretty bad terms with the young men about the place. It was' true that he sold cigarettes on Sunday sometimes, but Watson didn't ask for a packet of fags on this occasion. If anybody wanted cigs they would apply at the back door. It was untrue that he threatened to pull defendant off the saddle and give him a thrashing.

A few witnesses- were called for the 'defence and they were all unanimous m asserting that it was the storekeeper who was aggressive, and who used bad laniruagei, and threatened to do things. They were all as meek as lambs themselves ; and they certainly never heard Watson say he'd whack the tea and sugar vendor, or demolish his shanty. In the face of such corroborative details the Bench had no option but to dismiss. The action should curb the sportive spirits of Temi.)leton for a hit, however.