NOT TO BE TOLERATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19842, 17 May 1927, Page 6

NOT TO BE TOLERATED

DISPUTE OVER CONTRACT ASSAULT CHARGE FOLLOWS “This sort of thing cannot be tolerated,” said Mr J. S. Barfon, S.M., yesterday afternoon, when convicting John M. Burke on a charge of assaulting Francis Webb. Mr C. P. Brown, who appeared in support of the information, said; that the plaintiff had let tho defendant a firewood cutting contract; Burke to have the firewood providing he cleared tho ground and sold the plaintiff a percentage of the firewood at a stipuprice. This money was not to be paid until the contract was completed. On Good Friday, continuing counsel, there was some discussion between the parties and the defendant brought up the matter of payment. Webb said: “You will be paid when the contract is finished,” and it was then that the assault was alleged to have been committed. Dr. A. H. E. Wall said that he examined tho plaintiff and found an injury to the larynx. There was considerable swelling and the left vocal chord was not working. In witness’ opinion the injury was consistent with a Strong blow. The defence was that defendant merely pushed Webb aside. A conviction was entered, and the defendant was fined 10s and ordered to pay £2 2s medical expenses.