POLITICAL ARGUMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27259, 9 December 1949, Page 10

POLITICAL ARGUMENT

DISTURBANCE AT DANCE CULMINATION IN ASSAULT “ This seems to be reminiscent of the old election days." remarked Mr J. D. Willis, S.M., during the hearing of an assault charge against John Henry Cameron, of Wellington, a salesman, aged 25 years, in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The charge arose from a political argument at the Town Hall dance on December 3. Senior Sergeant B. W. Wootton said that while at the dance the accused became involved in a political argument in the supper room, and he banged two mens heads together. O.ne of the attendants appeared on the scene, and he was struck by the accused. Mr C. J. L. White said the accused did not dance and did not drink. He had gone to the dance to see his brother. Men Sad been baiting him in the supper room, and when the baiting continued the accused lost his temper and banged their heads together. "He had no right to strike them." counsel said, “ but political feelings at the time were high, I suppose. The accused got a kick on the shins and a black eye." He had no information about the accused being baited, said the senior sergeant in reply to the magistrate. Cameron was fined £2, with costs (10s). Magistrate’s Warning

Larrikinism was going to be put down. There had been enough around dance halls in the past, and he thought it had been suppressed, remarked Mr Willis when sentencing Alexander Dobbin, a labourer, aged 23, and Charles Morrison, a bricklayer, aged 29—both British immigrants—to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour for assaulting Frederick Ernest Borley at the St. Kilda dance on Wednesday night. On a charge of mischief (damage to Borley’s suit). Morrison was convicted and ordered to make compensation to the owner of £ls. with costs (10s).

Senior Sergeant Wootton said that Dobbin asked Borley’s wife to dance, and he made abusive remarks to her. Borley told Dobbin' to " cut it out, and in the ensuing argument Morrison went behind the complainant and held him while Dobbin struck him. During the scuffle the compiainant’s coat was badly torn. Both men were under the Influence of liquor. " Quite a lot of trouble is caused at the dance bv the larrikin type, ’ Senior Sergeant Wootlon said. “ The people running the dance have asked for police supervision, and they are trying to run a respectable dance." False Pretences Alleged

Martin Joseph Patrick Drake, a seaman, aged 32. was charged with attempting to obtain from William Chandler bv a false pretence the sum, of £2. Chief Detective Hall told the court that a charge of forgery would also be preferred. He asked for ah adjournment, which was granted until December 15. Committed for Sentence Laurie Alexander Shand (Mr W. J. Meade) pleaded guilty to indecent assault on a girl aged 12 years at Jubilee Park on November 28. After evidence had been given by the girl, her brother and mother, the accused was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.