ASSAULT IN WAREHOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1932, Page 10

ASSAULT IN WAREHOUSE

HAWERA SALESMAN FINED. “BEAUTIFUL SMACK ON THE JAW.” '‘Defendant’s nervous, excitable condition due to his recent illness and the shock he received upon the notice of life dismissal must be taken into account,” said Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in the Hawera Court yesterday in fining Peter L. Brennan 5, with costs £2 25., in default 14 days’ imprisonment, for assaulting his warehouse manager, Alfred Jackson, on February 26. “At the same time, the case is a clear one, and-it must be realised that the decisions of superior officers must be accepted. Such conduct as that of defendant cannot be tolerated.” Alfred Jackson, the manager of a Regent Street warehouse, stated that Brennan had shown himself to be dissatisfied with the management, and . a combination of facts had led to his dismissal. Notice had been given him, and Brennan had abused complainant and then struck him in the face and body. Tlss had taken place within the hearing of woman assistants and a customer. Complainant had later given Brennan the money due to him and had also waived an- account Brennan owed. Brennan had afterwards returned to his counter in the warehouse to collect some of his personal property, and complainant had suffered further abuse. To defendant’s counsel, complainant stated that the assault had. taken place on February 2i6. Brennan’s dismissal had not been brought about by petty spite. Witness had not tactlessly informed Brennan-that his services were no longer required, but had called him into the office and closed the door. The walls of the office did not reach the ceiling and the language used was heard by other people in the warehouse. Leonard J. Lewis, an employee in the warehouse, stated that Brennan had entered the manager’s office at 1.30 p.m. Witness was at a counter a few .yards distant and heard chairs drawn back, abusive language, and the sound O'! blows; Brennan came out of the- door as witness reached it. Similar evidence to that of' the complainant was then given. To defendant’s counsel, witness said he did not hear the whole of the conversation that ensued between the complainant and Brennan, but the abusive language was clearly heard. He did not catch complainant’s reply. Brennan backed out of the office and invited Jackson to fight. When the invitation was not accepted Brennan moved back into the office and. blows were heard. Witness could not see if complainant was delivering any blows. Similar evidence was given by another employee, Leslie W. Wise. Witness had seen the affair from a nearby counter. He had not seen Brennan’s blows connect, but he had seen the movement of his back and had heard the sound of blbws. When Brennan was leaving the warehouse after he had received his money he turned at the door and informed Jackson that he was not yet finished with him. Although perhaps- 20 yards from the office, witness told counsel that he was sure he had heard the blows. A lady’s' voice called to a salesman, George- L. Gaylard, to come and help,, and, in evidence, Gaylard stated that he had asked Brennan to “cool, down.” Witness had seen Jacksori study himself in a mirror after Brennan had gone. Jackson had remarked upon the “beautiful smack on the jaw” Brennan had given him. Witness could see that Jackson’s mouth was bleeding. The circumstances of the visit were outlined by the defendant, Peter L. Brennan, salesman, Wilson Street, Hawera. Defendant had just recovered from a severe illness. He went to Jackson’s office and told complainant that he would be ready to start work the next week. Jackson told him his services vrould not be required in future;, defendant, said Jackson, had been writing letters to Wellington and the position was intolerable. “I asked him for 1 a reason for this sudden and , despicable dismissal,” continued defendant. “That was the only reason he gave me, and I admittedly called him names.’ He jumped up and waved his arms in my face. I thought he was going to hit me, so I defended Time was given Brennan in whi?h to pay the fine. GENERAL, ITEMS. Endeavours were.made by the Hawera Boxinw Association to arrange a bout for Easter, but it is understood that these have faljen through. The plaintiff was a woman of many words. Consequently her counsel m the application for maintenance that was occupying the 1 attention of the Haw.eia Court yesterday was becoming worried. She refused to entertain an offer from the husband regarding another home and turned direct to the magistrate and stated that she would never return to her husband. ‘T am frightened of him, she said. “He once threatened away with himself and me too. ’ No doubt he was worried,” remarked the magistrate. ' / Counsel for defendant in a maintenance case heard at the Hawera Couit yesterday was not finding the complainant at all helpful. She stressed the fact that her liusband had refused to give her a home, but had forced her to live in his house with his. father, mother and sisters. The position, she said, was unbearable. Quarrel followed quarrel. On arid on went the tale while counsel endeavoured to get a word in. There came a pause for breath. “Well, well,” said counsel, “if I were to be in the same house as., you there would be quarrels all right!” ADVERTISERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS. Smith and Trim, Ltd., advertise particulars of their mart sales for to-day of 900 cases of fruit, including Central Otago nectarines and smoked fish at 10.30 a.m., and furniture and sundries at 1.30 p.m. 'Lhe Hawera Poultry sixth young bird show will be held on March 16. Entries close to-morrow and schedules may be obtained. The annual picnic of the South Taranaki Farmers’ Union will be held at Kaupokonui beach on Saturday. In addition to fruit and vegetables, Newton King, Limited, will , offer new furniture (guaranteed by the maker) at the Kapomra mart to-morrow.