PAINTED WITH INK

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1927, Page 2

PAINTED WITH INK

A GROCER’S CHRISTENING

AUCKLAND, July 1-1

There are many forms of christening, but a grocer’s christening consists of painting newcomers to the trade "itli marking ink. This practice is followed in a majority of warehouses, according to a story told in the Police Court this morning, when Leslie Milter. Hatty ( hipliii, Charles Edward Powell and Frederick M’Gregor were charged with indecently assaulting, and assaulting Alfred Green on April 21 last. The charges were subsequently reduced to one of common assault only. Pleas of not guilty were entered by each ol the accused, who were represented by Mr J. F. \Y. Dickson.

Kub-iuspeetor l.ewin said that Green had been the victim of an assault by his fellow-workers in a grocery establishment in the city. His clothing was interfered with, and lie was painted with marking ink from waist to knees. Kince the occurrence the young man had suffered ili-health and had to receive medicai’ attention.

Dr Alexander Kinder said that when he examined Green on April ‘2b ho found him in an advanced condition of neurasthenia. He complained of abdominal pains and headache, and said he could not move his light shoulder joint. There were also grazes on the right temple and a scar on the right side of the head. The injuries could have been caused by a tough-aud-tumble on the floor.

Green, in evidence, said that Al’Gregor was manager of the store, and fie asked him (witness) whether he had ever been christened belore. C hiplin told him that most of the others in the store had been christened. When told the nature of the christening, witness said he would not submit to it. On the day he was assaulted Miller threw him to the floor, hut he got up. The others joined in, and Al’Gregor threw him to the floor again, and this time Potvei’l marked him with ink. The father of the hoy. George William Green, said that when he examined his son lie was painted black from his waist to his knees.

Air Dickson said that there had been no had intention on the part of the accused, and an apology had been tendered by them. Accused were all respectable men. and similar “rags ” had occurred in hundreds of instances before. There was no injury done to the lad Green so far as defendants were aware.

Evidence was given by accused to the effect that the christening was quite frequently done in the warehouses.

The Alagistrate said that the men had certainly taken part in horse-play, but they did licit expect the consequences to he so serious, otherwise fit. would treat the ease differently. AF Gregor, ns manager of the shop, should have known better and should not have taken part in the assault. Green was entitled to compensation for his injuries, but that could be arranged between the parties. The whole affair was stupid. Each of the accused was linhi’e to two months’ imprisonment for his action. In the present ease, however, accused would lie fined £3, with the exception of Al’Gregor, who would he fined an additional £l.