YOUTH RECEIVES “CHRISTENING” IN GROCER’S STORE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 16

YOUTH RECEIVES “CHRISTENING” IN GROCER’S STORE.

WAS PAINTED WITH INK; CULPRITS TO PAY FINES. (Special to the “ Star. ) AUCKLAND, July 14. There are many forms of christening, but a grocer's christening consists of painting newcomers to the trade with marking ink. This practice is followed in a majority of warehouses, according! to a story told in the Police Court this morning, when Leslie Aliller. Harry Chiplin, Charles Edward Powell and Frederick M’Gregor were charged with indecently assaulting, and assaulting Alfred Green on April 21 last. The ; charges were subsequently reduced to one of common assault only. Pleas of not guilty were entered by each of the accused, who were represented by Air J. F. \V. Dickson. Sub-Inspector Lewin said that Green had been the victim of an assault by his fellow-workers in a grocery establishment in the city. His clothing was interfered with, and he was 'painted with marking ink from waist to knees. Since the occurrence the young man had suffered ill-health and had to rei ceive medical attention. Dr Alexander Kinder said that when he examined Green on April 28 he found him in an advanced condition of neurasthenia. lie complained of abdominal pains and headache, and said he could not move his right shoulder joint. There were also grazes on the right temple and a scar on the right side of the head. The injuries could have been caused by a rough-and-tumble on the floor. : Green, in evidence, said that Al’Grcgor was manager of the store, and he asked him (witness) whether he had I ever been christened before. Chiplin i told him that most of the others in j the store had been christened. When ] told the nature of the christening, witj ness said he would not submit to it. • On the day he was assaulted Aliller , threw him to the floor, but he got up. j The others joined in, and Al’Gregor i threw him to the floor again, and this time Powell marked him with ink. The father* of the boy, George William Green, said that when he examined his son he was painted black from his waist to his knees. Air Dickson said that there had been no bad intention on the part of the accused, and an apology had been tendered by them. Accused were all respectable men, and similar “ rags ” had occurred in hundreds of instances before. There was no injury done to the lad Green so far as defendants were Evidence was given by accused to the effect that the christening was quite frequently done in the warehouses. The Alagistrate said that the men had certainly taken part in horse-play, but they did not expect the consequences to be so serious, otherwise he would treat the case differently. Al’Gregor, as manager of the shop, should have known better and should not have taken part in the assault. Green was entitled to compensation for his injuries, but that could be arranged between the parties. The whole affair was. stupid. Each of the accused was liable to two months’ imprisonment for his action. In the present case, however, accused would be lined £3. with the exception of Al’Gregor, who would be fined an additional £l.