FARMERS FIGHT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 171, 22 October 1941, Page 5

FARMERS FIGHT

NEIGHBOURS COME TO BLOWS

SEQUEL IN COURT

A" series of disputes between "two farmers of the Onepu district had its sequel in the local court before Messrs G. A. Brabanit iaind G. R. Kent, J]s.P. yesterday and a feud of some weeks duration came to an end when the men involved shook hand's and undertook to "let bygones be bygones," but not before as each man endeavoured to give hisl side of the argument, it appeared that the differences might revive. Noel Athol Dilks and John Henry Moody (Mr B. S. Barry) faced the : Bench when the Police charged them with fighting in a public place. The former pleaded guilty saying that he had fought to defend himself, while for the latter Mr Barry admitted the facts and pleaded teclinic- " ally not guilty with a view to having the information dismissed as triDifferences Cause Fight Disputes regarding a drain and a gate had been responsible for a certain "coolness" arising between the offenders stated Sergeant M. Farrcll, who added that finally on October 5 they had come to blows on Blake's road and knocked each other about. Moody had reported the matter to the Police ami had been very frank, •while later Delks had been interviewed and found equally frank. Not Trivial Mr Farrcll continued that both were hardworking men observing long hours and probably tempers had become frayed easily. "However, i do not wish the matter to be viewed as trivial," he said, "as disputes between farmers can have serious repercussions. I do not seek a heavy penalty but ask that the men be convinced such conduct must cease" 111 Feeling Commences Mr Barry traced the incidents Which caused the illfecling. Cuts had been made in a drain and had flooded Moody's property. Questioned together with his employer, Mr -Blake, of O'potiki, and the latter's soin. Dilks denied making the cuts, and following the discussion ignored Moody. Later it was discovered that Mr Blake's son had been responsible and Moody advising Dilks of this hoped there 1 would be no further ill-feel-ing. Some days later Dilks and "Moody had had a friendly discussion, hut later in the week, Moody, seeina Dilks putting sheep where- he did not think they should be, approached him and received an abrupt reply. An argument resulted. On the Sunday following Moody .approached Dilks and asked why lie had abused him. Hot words had ensued and when the latter had referred to domestic matters Moody had '"•seen red" and a flight ensued. Threat of Gun "When the fracas ended and Dilks was leaving he had said he was going to get his shot gun and "blow . Moody's head off." Mr Barry continued that Blake's road was dedicated but fenced off : and therefore 1 was not really a public place and the incident could not be regarded in. the same light as a fight in the Strand for instance ■where many people were about including women and children. To .all intents and purposes the men had been on private property. A Private Fight ~ Apparently they had had their differences which had "boiled over" :and then had a fight to get the illfeeling out of their system, which lie said was probably the best way. "No one else had been hurt, or property damaged and with no one about the fight had been a "i>rivate" •one. Barry submitted that the men had been on public place only technically and asked for the information to be dismissed. Was Attacked! Dilks said he considered much had fbeen made of the differences, and as far as reference to the gun was ■concerned, he had merely said lie would-carry it for self defence. He had been attacked after trying to keep out of Moody's way and had been frightened of being done bodily harm. Stating that such cases were difficult to deal with the Bench said it was unfortunate; that neighbours should quarrel. The suggestion was that the men should shake hands and "let bygones be bygones." The defendants were dismissed so long as they undertook to pay the costs, £2 10s, between them.