LYTTELTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 141, 24 October 1868, Page 2

LYTTELTON.

This Dat. (Before F. D. Gibson, Esq., J.P.) Assault. — Capt. A. Black, Master, of the barque Cantero, was charged with this offence. The complainant was unable to attend. Dr J. T. Rouse stated : lam a qualified medical practitioner, residing in Lyttelton ; at a quarter past 1 1 o'clock last night, I was sent for to the Mitre Hotel. On arriving, I I found the complainant in this case, Rossiter, lying on the floor covered with blood proceeding from a wound in his head ; there was a great quantity of blood on the floor, and a mark on the wall ; he was quite insensible. I dressed the wound, and witnessed his being taken home to his own house. I have seen him thin morning, and consider him quite unable to attend Court. I think he might be able to do so on Monday. By Court — I believe he was insensible from the fall; he had been drinking. Ido not consider the wound dangerous. William Austin said I am a Resident in Lyttelton. I was in company with complainant, llossiter, afc half-past ten; we came out of th« billiard-room and went into the diningroom to have a glass of ale. When Rossiter entered, ho threw up a coin, and said "Who is going to toss me for shouts ?" Captain Black got off the table where he had been sitting and struck the complainant He fell and lay on the floor until the doctor came. By the Police : I think he must have struck him in | the mouth. I saw nothing in his hand. John j Burrell stated : — I am waiter at the Mitre I Hotel. I saw accused and Mr Rossiter come in ; they were having some words. They were both the worse for drink. I saw Capt. Black strike Rossiter. He did not get up again. The accused was remanded on bail; himself in £50, two nureties of £25 each. Bail was tendered and accepted.