AN UNRUly TONGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14378, 23 November 1908, Page 3

AN UNRUIy TONGUE

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR FINED. (Pi:i Usitet) Press Association.) 1 CHRISXOHUROH. November 21; At the Magistrates Court this morning Jolm Uarr, of Kedcliffs, stonemason, audi a member of the Legislative Council, was charged on the information of James Wilson, of Limvflod, and president of tile Stevedores' Union, with having, on October 28, behaved in an abusive manner at Sumner, whereby a breach of the peace might have been occasioned, by unlawfully seizing the informant by the wrist anil saying to him: "You are'a dirty low down cur. You are a traitor." James Wilson, the informant, said that he brought the charge in order to vindicate his character. The behaviour complained of took place at the conclusion of olio of Dr Thacker's political meetings at Sumner, which was attended by Mr Kanand a number of Mr George Lanrensoii's Lvtteltou Committee. Dnrin« the couree of Dr Thacker's meeting witness was employed as a messenger to collect questions to bo answeredi by the candidate. He had refused to take a handful of questions from Mr Laurenson's secretary, who then handed them ' to Mr Ban-, who said, referring to witness: 'Dow this thing refuse to take the questions/" Mr Ban- then addressed the chairman, and a disturbance eiwiied,'which subsequently broke up the meeting. After the meeting defendant came np to witness, who was speaking at the-' time t<> Dr Thacker, ashe was gcttiny into his motor car, and seized him by the wrist, using the words complained of. WitneA'eplied:' "You're a gentleman, audi you're the Honourable John Burr." There .were* between 200 and 300 people on the road at the time, and witness was sure that there would have been a free fight if he had not kept- his temper. Defendant was in a temper, and kept roaring and spitting at him. ... Informant brought three witness, who corroborated his evidence. The defendant stated that he had not gone to Dr Thacker's meeting with any intention of. raising any disturbance, anil at the clree of tho meeting'he went to Dr Thacker to explain this. ■ He admitted catehing hold of the informant, and) wanted 1 to know why lie had refused to allow him/ to hand in questions for the candidate to answer. He had no recollection of having used the words complained of. People had made the charge against him of coming to the meeting for the purpose of breaking ! it up. ami- he wanted to assure the Doctor that'this was not a fact. The defendant called his son and daughter and Mr John Mafl'cy, who said they did not hear defendant use the words complained of. The magistrate said that if this was the aftermath of a political meeting he was glad he did not attend them. He must believe, from the evidence, that the defendant was excited, and had reallv said tho words lie did not .intend to use. At such time no doubt men lost their individuality, • but Mr Uarr, holding the position he did, should' have shown more restraint, A fine of 40s and costs was inflicted.