HANDY MEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1917, Page 1

HANDY MEN.

HAVE A SILLY BET

A BROKEN LEO AND COURT

CASE {FOLLOW.

A little game of “ poker ” or “five hundred)” in a train does much to relieve the monotony of a railway journey, particularly where it is enlivened by a mild little gambling flutter. On a recent train journey from Koputaroa to Levin two gentlemen, to wit, William Ellam and Peter Mouefc, endeavoured to strike an original vein to while away the burdensome hours. They made a little wager of half-a-crown as to who had the larger hands of the two. Ellam had declared that he had the largest hands in the carriage, but was put #*ut to find that Mout’s size was one larger. Ellam paid over the half-a-crown, b lit still confident in his hands then bet Monet “double or quits ” that he could span further than his companion. The large-fisted Monet won again, however. This annoyed Ellam. With the energy generated by some liquor consumed before the bet he let Mouet “ have one ” in the face, proving that he could do something with his hands. Monet closed with him, and the pair fell to the floor of the carriage. Result: a broken leg for Mouet, with two months’ holiday in the hospital, and for Ellam a court case. Mouet had sufficiently recovered to allow 7 the case to proceed in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The charge against Ellam was an indictable one, that of assault causing actual bodilyharm. After hearing the evidence Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M.,'decided to reduce the charge to one of common assault, and fined Ellam £i, with some £a, costs. Mr H. H. Cornish appeared for the handy 7 Ellam.