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Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 859, 26 March 1877, Page 3

Serious Consequences of Cold Plates. —A few days ago Thomas Parker, described by his counsel as “a gentleman who had recently arrived with the intention of going into business,” was sued in the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Dunedin, by Katherine Pledger, a lodging house keeper, for £2O for an assault, and for £3 for damage done to crockery. Plaintiff stated that she kept a boarding-house, and defendant stayed there. On the 7th instant, at dinnertime, defendant asked witness for a hot plate, and because it was not given him at once he threw a leg of lamb that was on the table out of the window to his dog, and followed this up with the potatoes. He then turned the dish upside down on the floor, tore the blinds down from the windows, smashed a number of dishes, and attempted to throw out some beans they were having for dinner. Witness would not let him throw out the beans, whereupon defendant slapped her across the face and shook her violently. Either defendant or his wife tore the blinds down. Witness took up a chair to strike defendant, but that was after he had assaulted her. Defendant stated that the affair arose through plaintiff refusing to give him a hot plate. Witness then said, “If I can’t have my dinner the dog shall have it,” and seiz ing the lamb he threw it out of the window. Witness thought it was a proper thing to do, to throw a quarter of lamb out of window, if he could not get a hot plate—he would always do such a thing under the circumstances. It might not be a gentlemanly thing to do, but he had done so lots of times. The potatoes followed the lamb, and he then tried to throw the beans out. He did take hold of plaintiff by the shoulders or the elbows, but said be would never strike a woman. His worship thought it would have bean far more creditable to all parties if the case had been not allowed to c.ime to Court. It appeared to be a landlady’s and boarder’s quarrel, and the damage was not so serious as had been made out. Judgment would be given for plaintiff for £4 ; £2 being for the assault, aud £2 for the damage to crockery. The Late Fire at Picton —The following account of the fire at Picton is given by the Marlborough Express of Wednesday : By yesterday morning’s train some iron chimney-pots were sent down by Mr Smith, of Ble.nh -.im, for the Government Buildings, Picton, During the day, T. Maxted, Mr Smith’s journeyman, proceeded to fix them in their respective positions, using for this purpose a pot of live charcoal to heat hia tools. The wind was gusty all through the day, and Maxted used the utmost care, keeping the bottom of the pot wet, but about a quarter before five by an unlucky accident some sparks were blown out and caught the shingle roof. He called to a person standing by for water, but was either not heard or not understood, and went down off the roof to fitch it bimaeß, When he returned with the water and again ascended, having given the alarm, the fire had got entirely beyond his power, aud he had somo difficulty in making his escape. The building was of kauri, erected in 1860, and in thirty-five minutes was entirely gutted. When the train from Blenheim came in at 5.25 nothing was left standing except the strong room. Sergeant Scanlan and constable Kyle have lost everything except a few sheets and blankets, and Mrs Scanlan was unable to save even her watch. Mr Green has lost all his instruments, and suffers a loss of over £IOO. The records of the Resident Magistrate’s Court were saved. There was no insurance on the building or its contents. Great fears were entertained for tL'j safety of the magazine, which at one time was at a most dangerous heat. The fire brigade was in attendance directly the alarm was given, but could render no efficient aid, as the machine was not in good working order, and there was a scarcity of watey. All helped to the utmost of tfieig power, and a line was formed to the oreek, water being handed up in brokets. The effort was, however, fruitless.