A Magistrate Insulted.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1922, Page 4

A Magistrate Insulted.

CASE AT TIMAPU. TIMA 111', Aug 28. Some time ago a labourer named Gecirg'e Smith was brought before the Court, for liehaving in a threatening manner towards the Stipendiary Magistrate, but Air Afosley, not being desirous .of taking further proceedings, and Smith apologising for bis unseemly conduct and promising that it would not be repeated, the matter dropped. However, it appears that defendant’s promise was worthless, as Smith was again brought before Air A .Washer. J.P., and Air J. I’. Arnold, J. P:, this morning on two charges of* molesting Air Afosley and using insulting'language towards him. Senior-Sergeant Fahey. in the emirsti of a statement, said that on August Ifftli Afr Afosley was working in bis garden when Smith put bis head over the fence and abused him. On the second occasion, August 2Gth., complainant was proceeding to Court to preside at a sitting when be was accosted by defendant, who used most offensive language. E. I). Afosluv, S.M., in evidence, corroborated the Senio'r-Sergeaut’s statement. Oil Saturday witness bad just left home carrying a brief bag aTid 1 a walking stick, when he beard Smith from behind making offensive remarks regarding those articles. Despite a- warning defendant continued to follow witness down the road, hurling vile epithets after him. Personally. complainant had no fear of Smith, ~ but though I this conduct might be reprinted. Defendant bad ben previously before witness on a similar offence.

Smith pleaded guilty to the charge*, and stated be would not commit another breach of the pence, as be bore Mr Mosley or members of the police force no ill-will. Constable O'Connor was also called to give formal evidence.

Mr Washer: The case is a serums one, and fortunately a rarity in New Zealand. For an offence of this nature you arc liable to twelve months’ nnnrisonuu’iit, but seeing you have apologised and promised not to repeat this behaviour you will bp bound over to keep thr peace with Afr Afosley for £;,() and two sureties of £25 each, twenty-four hours being allowed *in which to find the money. Smith remonstrated with the Bench, and declared that he could not put up the bonds, but was informed that this was the absolute decision of the Cotut, and the alternative was twelve months’ imprisonment.