THREAT ALLEGED

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1926, Page 4

THREAT ALLEGED

FATHER IN COURT. AUCKLAND, May 3. The sensation which characterised the initial sitting of the Children’s Court in the Y.M.C.A. hist Saturday morning, when a father emphatically protested against his child being taken from him, had ail exciting sequel on Saturday, the parent being arrested to appear at the Police Court before Air J. W. I’oyiiton, S.AT.

It appears that the father, Harry Robert Willis, is alleged to have made certain threats against Mr .1. S. Cupit, child welfare officer, stationed at Auckland. In fact, -Mr Copit evidenty considered that he was in danger, for last night he had as a bodyguard Detectives O’Sullivan and M’Whirter.

After the Police Court had been adjourned on Saturday a statement was made and signed by Mr Gibb, assistant child welfare officer, in which he alleged that Willis hail threatened to shoot Air Cupit. Air Cup if. Mr Gibb and the chief detective then adjourned to Air J .AY. Poynton’s room, and as a result of a complaint made not by

the police, ti warrant for the arrest of Marry Robert AYillis was issued. Immediately this was obtained Detective Sergeant O’Brien and Detective Power left for Parnell, where Mill's wits tit work driving a horse and dray, lie was arrested at his work, and with his hands smeared with tar, Willis appeared in Court about 11.30 a.in. Air Dickson wits present to represent accused, against whom the following charge was read: “On April 30 he did say to Air Gibb, a child welfare officer. T w-ish to sav in this office, and I will repeat in Court, that if 1 do not get ntv child back I will slioot that big

Cupit.’ Complainant is afraid that AYillis will do him bodily harm, and prays that W illis he required to fin sureties to keep 11 to peace towards hint.”

To this charge the accused pleaded not guilty.

Air Dickson said that AYillis was the man whose child was taken from hint at. the sitting of Hie Children’s Court last SaturdayAir Boynton : Yes. 1 read about the Afr Dickson: Well, your Worship, tin! ease lias not yet been disposed of ; it was adjourned until next week, and yet. the child has been taken away to the Weraroa Training Farm. That is unfair, and it is not right. There is no justification for this step being taken whatever. The ease has been adjourned, and I have not yet gotti) into the defence or the facts. It, is :t. most extraordinary position for the child to he transferred without eonsuiting us. Air Pnynton : That does not justify him in using threats.

Afr Dickson: Hut he did mil use any tit teats, f would like to say in fairness to tlio police that they are merely executing the warrant on Air Cupil’s complaint. Chief Detective Cummings or the police are in 110 way involved in t his matter. Air Pavilion : I must see- that Willis is properly restrained. However, 1 understand the man's feelings over ! lie matter.

The Magistrate then said that In would remand the east' until May 8,

and remarked that it might Im> setlh-d by then. Air Allan Moody arrived at this juncture. out of breath, and announced that lie had" just an hour ago been instructed by Mr Cupit to appear on his Lehiilf. Not only Mr Cupit, but. I lie IXpnrt incut viewed Iho threat seriously, added 1 lUttsel. Air Poynton : J am only concerned at present with the matter of restraint.

Mr Dickson : AYell. lie is an innocent man until proved guilty. Air Boynton: Oh. quite so. Air Dickson: Air Cummings suggests that AYillis should report himself daily to the police and give an assurance that, these alleged threats I want you to underline Lite word "alleged”—will not he put. intr. effect. 1 am sure Mr Cupit. will not lose anything either in weight or sleep. Turning to his client, Afr Dickson added : “For goodness sake, Willis keep away front Afr Cupit. Don't go anywhere near him.” .Mr .Moody: Now my friend is adopting a high-handed attitude in this matter. | want this man to he placed oil hail.

Mr Dickson: Well. I think Fiipit’s al til mb' is high-handed. My client's child Inis been dragged away from him, and now they want to put him in gaol. Mr I’oynton: He will he remanded until Afav 8 on hail of £IOO on his own surety. He is to report daily to the police, and will keep away from Mr Cupit’s residence and his office-.

Mr Dickson: 1 want, to toll the Court lhal I greatly appreciate the courtesy extended by Chief Detective Cummings to my client and myself over this mutter. Willis could have been kept in

gaol until Afonday, but the chief detective had the matter before the Court immcdiiitelv be was arrested.

All the parties interested in the ease then left the Court.