FATHER MUST BE RESTRAINED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17837, 4 May 1926, Page 8

FATHER MUST BE RESTRAINED.

DENIES HAVING USED THREATENING LANGUAGE

CHILD WELFARE OFFICER SAYS LIFE FEARED FOR.

(Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, May 3. The sensation which characterised the initial sitting of the Children's Court in the Y.M.C.A. last Saturday morning, when a father emphatically protested against his child being taken from him, had an exciting sequel on Saturday, the parent being arrested to appear at the Police Court before Mr J- W. Poynton, S.M. It appears . that the father. Harry Robert Willis, is alleged to have made

certain threats against Mr J. S. Cupit, child welfare officer, stationed at Auckland- In fact, Mr Cupit evidently considered that he was in danger, for last night he had as a bodyguard Detectives O’Sullivan and M’Whirter. After the Police Court had been adjourned on Saturday a statement was made and signed by Mr Gibb, assistant child welfare officer, in which he al-

leged that Willis had threatened to shoot Mr Cupit. Mr Cupit, Mr Gibb and the chief detective then adjourned to Mr J. W. Poynton's room, and as a result of a complaint made, not by the police, a. warrant for the arrest of Harry Robert Willis was issued. Immediately this was obtained Detective Sergeant O’Brien and Detective Power left for Parnell, where Willis was at work driving a horse and dray. He was arrested at his work, and with his hands smeared with !tar, Willis appeared in Court about 11.30 a.m.

Mr Dickson was present to represent accused, against whom the following charge was read: “ On April 30 he did say to Mr Gibb, a child welfare officer, ‘ I wish to say in this office, and I will repeat in Court, that if I do not get my child back I will shoot that big Cupit.’ Complainant is afraid that Willis will do him bodily harm, and prays that Willis be required to find sureties to keep the peace towards him.” To this charge the accused pleaded not guilty. Mr Dickson said that Willis was the man whose child was taken from him at the sitting of the Children's Court last Saturday— Mr Poynton: Yes, I read about the case. Mr Dickson: Well, > r our Worship, the case has not yet been dsiposed of; it was adjourned until next week, and yet the child has been taken away to the Weraroa Training Farm. That is unfair, and it is not right. There is no justification for this step being taken whatever. The case has been adjourned, and I have yet not gone into the defence or the facts. It is a most extraordinary position for the child to be transferred without consulting us. Mr Poynton: That does not justify him in using threats. Mr Dickson: But he did not use any threats- I would like to say in fairness to the police that they are merely

executing the warrant- on Mr Cupit’s complaint, Chief Detective Cummings or the police arc in no way involved in this matter. Mr Povnton: T must see that Willis is properly restrained. However, I understand the man's feelings over the matter. The Magistrate then said that he would remand the case until May ,S. and remarked that it might be settled by then. Mr Allan Moody arrived at this juncture. out of breath, and announced that he had just an hour ago been instructed by Mr Cupit to appear o.n his behalf. Not only Mr Cupit, but the Department viewed the threat seriously, added counsel. Mr Povnton: Lam only concerned at ; present with the matter of restraint. Mr Dickson: Well, he is an innocent man until proved guilty. Mr Povnton: Oh. quite so. Mr Dickson: Mr Cummings suggests ! that Willis should report himself dailv 1 to the police and give an assurance that these alleged threats—l want you to underline the word “alleged’'—will not be put into effect. I am sure Mr Cupit will not lose anything either in weight or sleep. Turning to his client, Mr Dickson added: “For goodness sake. Willis, keep away from Mr Cupit. Don’t go anywhere near him.’’ Mr Moody: Now my friend is adopting a high-handed attitude in this matter. I want this man to be placed on bail. Mr Dickson: Well, I think Cupit’s attitude is high-handed. My client’s child has been dragged away from him, and now they want to put him in gaol. Mr Poynton: He will be remanded until May 8 on bail of £IOO on his own surety*. lie is to report daily to the police, and will keep away from Mr Cupit’s residence and his officeMr Diqkson: I want to tell the Court that I greatly appreciate the courtesy extended by Chief Detective Cummings to my client and myself over, this matter. Willis could have been kept in gaol until Monday, but the chief detective had the matter before the Court immediately* he was arrested. All the parties interested in the case then left the Court.