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New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 439, 22 December 1898, Page 16

A peculiar story of assault is reported from Wanganui, the case having been tried before Mr H. W. Northcroft, formerly our Auckland rna,gistrate. Jhe verdict was against the defendants, and Ann Kirkwood, licensee of the Metropolitan Hotel, and her son, William Kirkwood, manager of the hotel, were fined 40s each for assaulting and beating Hugh Mclntosh, a porter lately in their employ. The evidence of complainant was to the effect that he had given notice to leave, but on Sunday morning was informed he would be paid off and could leave without notice. As his things were lying about unpacked in his room he refused to give up the key till the Monday. Shortly afterwards he found the Kirkwood had put a ladder up to the window and got into his room. He then went into his room to pack his things, and after some heated words Kirkwood struck him on the head with a stick, partially stunning him. Mrs Kirkwood came to her son’s assistance, and while Mclntosh was lying on the bed struck him two or three blows on the face with her clenched fist. Mrs Kirkwood stated that her son was a cripple and she had gone to his assistance, fearing he would be hurt. She denied striking complainant, but admitted pushing him back on the bed. William Kirkwood stated that the complainant had been impertinent to him and threatened to strike him, and a scuffle ensued. He never saw his mother strike the complainant.