A FRACAS AT HAUMOANA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 21 November 1927, Page 5

A FRACAS AT HAUMOANA

THE SEQUEL IN COURT. “PROBABLY BOTH SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED.”

A fracas in Haumoana on Saturday, October 8, accounted for William Dally appearing before Mr. A. M. Mowlem, S.M., at the Napier Court this morning charged with assaulting George Frederick Reeves. He pleaded not guilty. George Frederick Reeves, carrier, of Haumoana. stated that ou the lay of the assault he went into the Post Office store when he saw the accused. The latter went outside and called out, “1 want to see you, and I don't want to be all night about it.” Witness went out and accused said,

“What about that 15/- von owe me. When are you going to pay it?.” Witness replied, “I don't owe you 15/-: only 7/- which I will pay you now.” As he was putting his hand in his pocket he was struck a blow on the jaw. being knocked to the ground. On getting on to his feet again he was struck again by the accused on the forehead, falling to the ground. Witness was struck by the accused some dozen times during the scuffle which lasted about a quarter of an hour. Ernest William Rolander, of Haumoana. said that from his gate he saw Reeves on the ground and Dally making use of some “choice” language which he told him to cut out. He did not see any blows struck but heard an argument between them. Constable Murray stated that Reeves saw him late- that evening when he showed evidence of having been assaulted. His clothes were dustv-looking as if he bad been rolled in the road. He had known Reeves since a bov and he was not of a pugilistic nature. The defendant admitted asking Reeves for 15/- which was owing to him. but met with a flat refusal. He bocnpio excited when he received a series of kicks and a flow of abusive language. Witness guarded himself from further attacks From the start witness did not use any violence nor an- abusive language.

To Sopior-Sergeant Powell • Ree* <■« nndoubtelv got his marks when witn«ss threw him in order to get clear of a clinch. After further evidence Hi s Worship cave inclement saving “I n m not too sure that hoth should not have charged with having created a <fieturboneo on our public street. It seems to me that the witness for the defendant wl’o sni-1 ho hoorrl Reeve*.snv. ‘Ern this wn is hitting in»’ settles the case. Dally is convicted and fined £2.”