SCUFFLE IN STREET

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 687, 12 June 1929, Page 11

SCUFFLE IN STREET

MAGISTRATE SYMPATHISES WITH ONE MAN OTHER TO PAY £2 FINE That he was holding another man whom he thought had “beaten him” for 10s, and waiting for the arrival of the police, was the excuse given by John Moore, who appeared at the Police Court this morning on a charge of fighting In Grey Avenue. ly/TOORE, a farmer, aged 59, pleaded not guilty, but William Wilson Sutherland, who was charged with him. and who was described as a cook, aged 43, admitted the offence. In the opinion of Constable Watts, there was no doubt that the two men were fighting. Witness had watched them come out of an hotel. They had evidently disposed of a few drinks, and were having a stand-up fight. “It was no fight on my part,” urged Moore. “I landed here yesterday from Australia. I never fought, and was only trying to hold Sutherland until the police arrived.” Moore explained that he had given Sutherland 10s, under the impression that the man was known to his friends. On being informed of his mistake, he had followed Sutherland into the hotel bar. “Then, quick as lightning, I got this,” he added, indicating a damaged eye. Sutherland: Why w T as the 10s not found on me when I was arrested? Moore: You probably had mates to give it to.

Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.: That is very likely. The case against Moore was dismissed. Sutherland was fined £2, in default seven days’ imprisonment.