‘A BUSHMEN'S ARGUMENTS'

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5488, 16 May 1917, Page 2

‘A BUSHMEN'S ARGUMENTS'

SETTLED IN COURT. (Before Mr E. Page, S.M.) At yesterday’s sitting of the S.M. Court at Te Aroha, an information laid by a thick-set young man named Beresford (for whom Mr Carroll appeared) agaihst one Edward Devey, charging him with assault, was heard. Defendant pleaded guilty under provocation, stating that during h ; s duties at a local hotel on April 14tb, Beresford was arguing with other customers as to whether Cross Creek was on the Mauawatn or Wairarapa railway line. The others left Beresford, who then turned on defendant, who was busy, and tried to continue the argument. Failing to “ draw” defendant, Beresford reviled him, using obscene language and reflecting on his parentage. On the 25th inst. defendant met Beresford in the street and after a short conversation he struck informant twice. Was smarting under Beresford’s abuse on the previous occasion. Mr Carroll said he was instructed to deny the statements re April 14th. The parties merely had a “ bushmen’s argumeut,” and no more was thought of the matter by his client. On the 25th Devey had deliberately struck Beresford with considerable force and without warning. Informant was dazed by the blows. Later he complained to the police of his condition and treatment.

The S M. hell that the assault was not justified, and Mr Carroll then asked that if any fine were imposed part of it should be payable to informant, who had been seriously inconvenienced by the assault.

A fine of £2 'and costs £2 2s was imposed, half of the fine to go to the informant as some measure of compensation.