A THREAT TO KILL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 66, 26 March 1913, Page 6

A THREAT TO KILL.

ECHO OF THE SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE. A QUEER EPISTLE. (Per Press Association.)

Wellington, March 26. An 'unusual case arising out of the Slaughtermen’s strike, was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when Walter Litchfield, farmer, of Manama , (Picton Sounds), was charged with Sending a letter to Mr Reardon, secretary of the Slaughtermen’s Union, containing a threat to kill the recipient. The letter was as fellows:— “Mr J. Reardon, Wellington,— If you want to keep your job, you had better settle this strike quick. My mortgagee is only waiting for an excuse to stop in, and if I can’t sell my lambs within the next fortnight or three weeks, he will get his chance, and I shall be ruined. If that happens, it will not matter what happens to me after. I don’t want to be-either mined or, hung, but if I am put through I .will- send you to Hell first; andj though you may have a few week’s! start of me,—and Hell is a big; place,—l’ll find you, if it does take] most of eternity to do itj then it will bo Hell indeed for you—perhaps for both of us—so if you don’t want your wife to be a widow, set- , tie this strike at once, or I’ll settle you. Presidents, kings, and emperors sometimes die before they are ready, so don’t cry if you bring a sudden end on yourself.”

The letter was addressed—“ His Imperial Majesty, M. J. Reardon, Tzar of all the New Zealand Strike Promoters, etc., Wellington or elsewhere.”

Mr Reardon stated in evidence that he received the letter during the strike. In cross-examination, ho said he did not regard the letter, as a joke. Ho took the threat seriously.

Mr Griffiths, auctioneer, Blenheim, gave evidence that he had a bailment over Litchfield’s sheep, but would not swear it was still operative, Litchfield was not in arrears with interest.

Counsel; Do you know -of any other farmers in Manaroa district having mortgages over their property?—Witness laughingly replied, “Yes; a great majority.” Counsel: Could you think of one that might be in difficulties and in danger of the mortageo taking possession?—Witness: “Yes; I could think of one.”

Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial.