STREET FRACAS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1929, Page 1

STREET FRACAS

FOREIGNERS’ DRUNKEN HR AWL. WELLINGTON; January 3. Following a disgraceful fracas which originated in the drunken condition ol some «vf the participants, Matthew Raliieh. restaurant keeper. 03 years ; Stephen Bresanella, chef. 33 years: Jonh Thorpe, labourer, ol years; and Annie Maria Raliieh were to-day (barged with lighting in a public place. Tin* affair took place at tin* corner <>i Cuba and Ghu/nee Streets on Boxing e\cuing. for Thorpe, it was slated that he was not out* of the party, hut lon ml himself being- belaboured. As he was sober and one-armed, the Magistrate took the view it.was not likely ho attacked the people, and gave hint the benefit of the doubt, dismissing the charge against him.

Matthew Raliieh was further charged with committing mischief by damaging cel utensils valued at ll* Otl. ami an electric light globe, -Is fid. Rrosanella was charged with damaging a cell i,tonsil, and Mrs Babich with disorderly behaviour while drunk. police evidence showed that there had been a scene when the arrests were .made, ami after being placed in the cells, the two men started throwing the utensils around.

Tly-v were each lined C2. or fourteen days, for fighting, and Cl for the mischief, and ordered to make good the damage, in default fourteen and ten days respectively. Mrs Babich was lined C‘2. or fourteen days, for behaving in a disorderly manner while drunk” The charge of lighting was wt ilulrawn. The Magistrate regarded Rrosanella and Mrs Babich as responsible for the occurrence. The manner in which they behaved at the Police Stalimi, lie said, proved they were drunk,