THE PALMERSTON NORTH DISTURBANCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2179, 1 May 1908, Page 3

THE PALMERSTON NORTH DISTURBANCE.

AN INTERESTING SEQUEL. Press Association. PALMERSTON. N., April 30. A sequel to the disorderly proceedings in the Square last night, when Mr. Hoben, editor of tho Manawatu “Times” was roughly handled by the crowd, followed at the.-S.M. Court this morning, when a large number of interested spectators were treated to unusual proceedings. By a uniquo coincidence Mr. Essex, the defeated candidate for the Mayoralty, (whom Mr. Hoben vigorously opposed, was the only presiding justice. When John Flowers was charged with -assaulting Mr. -Hoben, the police ‘ under the circumstances applied for a remand, stating that Mr. Essex was more or less an interested party. Mr. Essex replied that the matter was petty, and declined to adjourn the case. The police persisted in their application for a remand in the absence of a second justice who had boen duly summoned, but failed to appear. Mr. Essex expressed the opinion that - failing the justice being present the case should be dismissed, especially as the caso was not serious, but trivial. Ultimately yielding (to the earnest protestations of the police, Mr. Essex decided to await tho arrival of justices who •had been hurriedly sent for, .and when they put in an appearance tho case was proceeded with. Flowers denied knocking Hoben down, intentionally, stating that the pushing, surging crowd was responsible for it. A fine of 20s was inflicted.