CITY POLICE COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9565, 22 October 1892, Page 6 (Supplement)

CITY POLICE COURT.

Fuiday, October 21. (Bafore Messrs J. Lbgaa and J. W. Biindley, J.P's.) Assault. —Alexander Lamb was charged with assaulting and beating George Robinson, en the 13th inst.—Mr Mouat appeared for complainant and Mr Haniou for defendant, who pleaded nob guilty.—Mr Mouat explained that a subpeena had been issued, but had not been" served. The man for whom it had been issued was an unwilling witnes?, and was probably keeping out of the way.—Under the circumstances an adjournment was suggested by the bench, but this was objected to by Sir Haniou. If, however, there was anything to be gained by an adjournment, or if his friend's case was to be prejudiced by the .-absence of this witness, he (Air Hanlon) had no objection to an adjournment later on.—Mr Mouat said ths parties were two-, expressmen, and they were attending an auction sale at Mr Speddiug's rooms. A gentleman had bought five boxes of tea, and had hired Robinson to take them away. They were brought to the door and left there. Robinson had bought some things and went away to look after theta, and while away Lamb—under the idea that they were for his employer—took three of the bjxes away. When Robinson appeared .he requested Lamb to pub the boxes down, as they belonged to him. Lamb put down the three boxes, aud without waiting for an explanation went and tore the other two boxes from Robinson. A scuffle took place between the men, and Robiuson relaxed his hold, as the boxes were becoming destroyed. Lamb then struck Robinson in the chest, and Robinson was about to retaliate but was restrained by those present. Robinson was trying to explain the matter, but Lamb would not wait. It seemed that the two parties had not for some time been on friendly terms, and they had had several bickerings about business matters, and Lamb proved himself very unreasonable at times. Seeing that they were very often thrown together and Lamb was given to this sort of thing, if he got an idea that he could, do it with impunity, Robinson would simply have to take his own course aud the public peace would be broken.—Evidence having been given by complainant, Mr Hanlon, addressing the conrb, said defendant went to Speddiug's auction rooms', and while there got on order to take away some tea. He asked the storekeeper where it was, and he said " Thab's it," pointing it out. He had three boxes on the express when Robinson rushed up to him and told him he must not take it. He tools the remaining two boxes up, and while struggling, Robinson knocked o2 his hat. Lamb pushed Robinson away with his hand, and then put the boxes on his express.—]3vidence having been given by John Mercer, storeman, William Gawne, and Joseph Carter, expressmen, a fino of 2s 6d, without costs, was inflicted.—Mr Haniou: I must say that it is decisions, such as these, that bring the administration of justice in the colony into con-

tempt and' disrepute.—Mr Logan (striking the desk with his clenched hand) : Keep quiet.— MrHanlon: I have a perfect right, to speak, and your Worships cannot deny my right to stand up and say what I have to say. So long as I speak with respect, I defy you to stop me. I have a perfect right to make any comment, and I defy you to stop me. I am satisfied. Good morning.—Mr Brindley intimated to the reporters, subsequently, that he was not in favour of the decision come to, but gave way.