BAD "RAGGING."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1575, 19 October 1912, Page 2

BAD "RAGGING."

UNCOUTH LOCO. SHED JOKE. (By Telegraph— Press Association.) Dunedin, October IS. A. highly dangerous form of "ragging" was discovered in the engine-shed among tho cleaners at Dunedin, who are mostly lads of from 17 to 19 years Df a,?e. This has led to the prosecution of Charles W. Foster, for unlawfully assaulting Victor Hercules Main. The latter has justjoined the Service. He was under an engine at night with the usual lamp fixed to his cap when Vosler blew kerosene from his mouth at the flame with tho objcct of frightening Main. The vapour landed on tho latter's cap, becamo ignited, and burned the hair off tho lad's head and tho skin oft' his forehead. Tho magistrate said he acceptcd the explanation of defendant that ho had no intention of doing bodily harm; had accused been a man ho would have inflicted a very lieavy penalty. Foster was fined .£3, half the fine to go to tho injured boy. The Railway Department has intimated its determination to put down this kind of-, thing. .. Foster-- bad-been previously employed at tho Addinglon Workshops.