POLICE COURT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 24 July 1909, Page 3

POLICE COURT.

assault CASES

The cases for unlawful assault brought by William Snow and Cyril Wanklyn, against each other, were concluded after we went to press on Thursday. Further evidence was given by Endell Wanklyn, brother of one of the accused, who stated that he was in Mr Ball’s hairdressing saloon on Saturday night last,* and heard a scuffling in the billiard room. On opening the door, Snow and his brother came through. Snow stopped near one of the chairs, and witness’ brother had hold of his coat, tugging at it. His brother made no attempt to strike Snow. Snow made a couple of kicks at witness’ brother, and grasped a pair, of scissors and made a slash at his brother with it. His brother pushed Snow away, and he fell over the foot rest of the chair. He did not see any blows struck nor did he see any knife.

To Mr Reade: Have frequently seen Snow “playing the goat.” In fact, never saw him doing anything else. Never saw him in a billiard rcom without he was making an ass of himself. He was always “chivying” the players and generally got fired out at the finish. Had never seen Snow strike a person, but had seen him chase individuals with a cue.

In reply to questions by the Bench, the witness said that he had not heard of any previous trouble between his brother and Snow. He knew of no reason for his brother having a set on Snow. George King said that he was in the hairdressing saloon on Saturday night last, and saw Snow come in and go towards the billiard room. Wanklyn was near the door of the billiard room and said : “Here, Tibby, come here,” and caught hold of his arm. They went into the billiard room, and shortly after came out together. Snow made a kick at Wanklyn. Snow picked up the scissors and put them down again. Wanklyn then rushed him, and Snow fell over the foot-rest of the chair. No blows were struck. Mr Ball came in from outside, and held Wanklyn while Snow went out.

To Mr Reade: Wanklyn was not sober at the time. He was about “half • sprung.” Wanklyn had hold of Snow’s coat sleeve.

Cyril Wanklyn, on oath, said that he was in the hair-dressing saloon on Saturd'ay night last. Snow came in, and witness said : “Hullo, Tibby, how are you?” He said “Alright.” They both went into the billiard room, and were fooling there. They returned to the saloon, and Snow kicked him in the shins, and said : “Wait till I find those scissors, 1111 run them into you.” He picked up the scissors and swung them round, and caught witness on the tip of the finger with them. Witness rushed him and he fell over the chair. Did not strike him. Did not have a knife. Had a couple of drinks in Palmerston, and another on arrival at Foxton. Was not drunk by any means.

To the Bench : Have had no trouble with Snow previously. At Greytown Snow was at war with the whole camp, and the boss sacked him, but he would not go. He chased a chap there with an axe, and witness stopped him. In reply to Mr Reade, witness said that he might have had two or three drinks in Palmerston. They were all shandies —he never touched anything else. He never touched sarsaparilla.

Ernest Ball said that when Snow came into the room, Wanklyn interfered with him. Saw practically nothing. On returning to the saloon; after putting up the window curtain, saw Wanklyn in an attitude as though he were about to strike Snow, and witness prevented him and told Snow to go. Snow had a pair of scissors in his hand. Wanklyn appeared to be the aggressor. This “row” was the first of its kind that had ever happened in his saloon. The Justices found Wanklyn guilty of assault, and fined him £1 16s, with costs ns, and solicitor’s fee £1 is, in default seven days’ imprisonment.

The charge against Snow was dismissed.