ALLEGED ASSAULT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17190, 6 November 1923, Page 9 (Supplement)

ALLEGED ASSAULT.

BRUTAL CASE AT PIO PIO. Pkr Press Association. TE K.UITI, November 0. ■ An assault of a particularly serious mure is alleged to have occurred at Pio Pio on Saturday evening, resulting ! in the removal of the victim, Augustus Hoeft, to Pio Pio Hospital, where ho now lies in a dangerous condition, ana the arrest of John M. Hobson, who was this morning charged with assault. The circumstances were not outlined in Court, but in a statement to the police Hobson says ho came into Pio Pio township late on Saturday afternoon, and joined a party of cricketers, with whom he had a few drinks. He was looking for his horse when he met Hoeft, who is a German Samoan. Hobson alleges that Hoeft endeavoured to pick a quarrel, using filthy language. He disregarded several warnings, whereupon Hobson threw him against the side of a house. Hoeft rushed at him again, and the pair struggled before falling to the ground. Hobson here alleges that Hoeft buried bis teeth in his 'hand, biting him severely, and had to be pulled off.by some spectators. The paiv* then separated, but later in the even- j ing Hoeft again n.et Hobson, using filthy language and calling him several objectionable names before rushing at him. Hobson picked up the first weapon handy, which happened to be a wooden stake, about sft in length, and struck his assailant, laying him out. Hoeft was taken to the hospital, where medical examination disclosed serious injuries to the base of his skull. His condition was considered extremely precarious last- night, hut it is understood that a slight improvement is noticeable this morning. Hobson was charged with assault tKTs morning before Messrs Mostyn Jones and Cheal. J.P.'s, and on the applica lion of the police was remanded for a week. Bail, which was forthcoming, was fixed at £4OO.