INCORRIGIBLE FLAXMILLERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 383, 27 February 1908, Page 3

INCORRIGIBLE FLAXMILLERS.

Obscene Language and Drunkenness. At the Palmerston S-M. Court on Monday, before Mr A. D. Thomson, S.M., Jas. Murray, Frederick Power, Joseph Binchim, Albert Raven wood, David Baird, and Edward Kennedy pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness in a railway carriage, and also to having used obscene language on the Bongburn platform. Mr Cooke, who appeared for accused, stated that they had had a severe week fighting the flames, and had come into town and got the worse for liquor. James Grant, guard on the Longburn train, stated that on Saturday night the accused were on the train without tickets. . At Eorigburn he and the Manawatu Railway Co.’s guard had endeavoured to put them off. They put several out and the others followed and attempted to rescue their comrades. A scramble followed, and filthy language was used by accused. Had it not been for the appearance of a constable the matter would have been serious. The S.M. stated that no doubt the men had had a hard time fighting the flames, but that was no excuse for their conduct at Bongburn. The public had to be protected against such occurrences. The language was such as could not be tolerated. He did not intend to send them to gaol on this occasion, although they were liable to twelve mouths’ imprisonment. He would fine them 5s each for drunkenness, and £3 each and costs for using obsene language. They must not think that because they worked hard for a month they could come into tqwn and do as they liked. They must understand that other people also had rights and must be protected. Alfred A. Matthews (Mr Innes) pleaded guilty to having used in : suiting language in a public place. He was convicted and fined 10s and. costs.