RAGGING” IN THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2205, 8 October 1907, Page 3

RAGGING” IN THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

CHARGES OF ASSAULT.

Press Association.

TIMARU, Oct. 7.

In the Magistrate’s Court to-day a charge of common assault is being heard against six cleaners, who, it is alleged, asaulted a new cleaner, Arthur Bray, in Timaru engine sheds. Sub-Inspector Green, in. opening the eise for the prosecution, said the Railway Department looked upon such conduct seriously, and the general manager of New Zealand Railways had asked him to press for a substantial penalty. Inspector Green said the assault was what is termed “ragging.” The victim was first thrown down and gagged with a piece of dirty waste. His clothes were opened, oil poured over hum, and liis face smeared with soot and grease. Mr. Eknslie Who appeared for all the accused, denied, absolutely that any such assault as that described by the polico took place. Accused one after another denied having assaulted Bray in the manner he described. It was admitted that one of them picked up an oil-can and unscrewed the cap in order to “oil his vocal organs” because ho would not sing, but before they had gone any further Bray attacked them, and the oil was spilled over him in the scuffle, tho oil can being 'knocked out of the youth’s hand. They denied the undoing of clothes and use of waste. In the face, of this evidence, the Magistrate said an assault undoubtedly had been committed, and the question was of what nature. Bray’s statement that indecency was added was scarcely borne out, and he was not convinced that it happened, or it would have made the case very serious indeed. He found all defendants guilty of assault, and taking into account their small wages, decided that, a fine of 40s each would be a substantial penalty, and ‘this was imposed with costs (divided) 395.