CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 171, 28 November 1868, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

This Day. j (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M., and G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.) Assaulting the Police. —Edward Hill, William Sturt, James Hennah, and Joseph Day, four of the volunteers recently enrolled for service in the North Tsland, were brought up in custody, charged with having assaulted the police whilst in the execution of their duty. Constable Jeffrey sa-d he was in charge of the night duty last night, and shortly after ten o'clock he saw a number of the volunteers for the front walking about the streets in a very noisy manner. They were more or less intoxicated, hut he did not interfere with them, and also gave orders to the other constables not to do so unless actually compelled. About an hour afterwards, whilst in company with Constable Wilson, he passed upwards of thirty of them near the Bank of New Zealand, and some of thera called out his name and threatened to assault him with stones. He made no observation, but walked on towards Cathedral Square, but before proceeding far the mob formed in line and rushed upon himself and Constable Wilson. The both then turned round, and knocked fire or six of the men down, but were assailed with a shower of stones. He succeeded in arresting the prisoner Day, and took him to the lock-up. Whilst on the way to that place the mob continued to throw stones, and himself and Constable Wilson were struck several times. One blow he received on his leg had rendered him partially lame, and he had other bruises. After conveying Day to the lock-up, himself and Constable Wilson returned, and succeeded in arresting the other prisoners, who who were all they could identify. Before the assault there was particular reference made to him by name, and tbe assault was evidently intended for him alone. He had arrested one of the prisoner's comrades for larceny a day or two ago. By prisoner Day. He was first assaulted by Day, who appeared to be the ringleader of the mob, and whom he knocked down. He did not see Day throw stones, but could swear to the other three having done so. When taking Day to the lock-up, one of the other prisoners said they would not permit it, and wanted to effect a rescue. Constable Wilson corroborated this evidence, which was also fully supported by two other witnesses. In defence, the prisoner Day said being the last night the volunteers j were to spend in Christchurch, he got a little elated, and did not know what he was doing. The others had also been drinking, but he wa. sure they had no intention of creating a disturbance. He had not premeditated any attack on prosecutor, nor did he think any one else had. He did not remember striking prosecutor first, but might have done so. The other prisoners agreed with . this statement, and all urged drink in excuse Constable Eares called by permission of the bench, said he searched Day when brought to the .oik-up and found a large knife ! aud scabbard upon him. The bench considered

the case a few moments, and his Worship then said they did not wish if possible to detain any who had volunteered for service in the North, but had very grave doubts whether they should not make an exception in the case of Day, who had evidently been the ringleader of the mob. There would probably be more recruiting in the city, and if it was allowed to be understood that assaults might be committed with impunity on such an excuse, there would be no end to them. After mature consideration, however, the bench had decided to let the prisoners proj :eed on their journey, but under the distinct intimation that if any more such proceedings were indulged in under pretence of recruiting the culprits would be most severely dealt with. The bench would desire to have this fully made known, so that there might not be any mistake in the matter. The prisoners would be escorted to Lyttelton by the police, and not allowed at liberty until fairly under command of their officers.