The Recent Disburauces In Woodville.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1691, 22 April 1886, Page 2

The Recent Disburauces In Woodville.

- .:. After a very lengthy inquiry into the charges brought by the .Woo'dville police against several persons for riotous conduct on a recent occasion, and by the accused against the police for- assault, the Magistrate, Captain Greece, m = giving his decision said v.r-1: think it would perhaps be as well for me to give the -decision, of :the Courtin each case, but as, all the cases are connected, to speak generally ou the whole matter. -In the first place the constable. was justified m arresting Egan for disorderly conduct m, the street. As to. .the .obstruction, W seems to have been principally caused by Heenan. .He was not only drunk, but wouldmot go quietly away, and did: all he-, could to incite the other men to resist the police m the execution of their duty. 'In regard to the action of the constable I think he acted quite., rightly m drawing his baton during the first portion of the row, > but I d.o not think he was right when, towards the end cf the l row he struck blows with: the baton on the head. I shall not convict, him of an assault, but I must say I: do np( consider the Sergeant ;had a right to . strike on the head ashe did. ,No doubt he received great provocation, still it is a constable's duty to keep cool. Con. Barry did keep .copl. under very-trying, circumstances, for which he is to be commended. The greatest offender was Heenan— rhe it was who struck the Sergeant and, caused the first disturbance,. In the first case, Patrick Egan, for disorderly conduct, I shall fine £1 and.7s costs, or m default three days' imprisonment. In the other case against him, that of re3istng the constable, Epan will ..be fined £10 and costs. (To Egan) — Have' you the money to pay? ■.+...■.'■ Egan : It is a very heavy decision ; I will not pay. His Worship : Very well ; you will be sentenced to two months' hard labor. In the case of Patrick Heenan he will be committed for ; two months' hard labor without the option of a fine.; Collins will be fined £5 and costs 7s, the amount to be recovered by distress* Troy will' be discharged, as iihere is no evidence* asrainst himv The charge- of ■* assault against Sergt. Carlyon jwill also be dismissed. . The Court was crowded during the whole of the day.^jS&amwwr,