"A NAUGHTY BOY"

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10293, 30 May 1919, Page 5

"A NAUGHTY BOY"

FAMILY FRICTION FATHER CHARGES SOX WITH ASSAULT. Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 29. A domestic trouble was ventilated in the Police Court when Charles Edward Dumper, of Devonport, proceeded against his son, Ernest Albert Dumper, for assault. Complainant, who was in the garb of a clergyman, said he called at a house in JJovonport to sell tea when his son appeared and took his hat off and threw, it into the yard.. "I told him he was a; naughty boy, tne witness said. _ The magistrate: What age is he? W itness: Twenty-seven. Witness added between sobs that he wus grieved to relate that his son then pushed him and he fell • down. Defendant in his evidence stated that he lived with his mother, who recently obtained a divorce from complainant. On May 10th his father came to the house and refused to leave. Witness then took him- to the gate but did not kick him down. "He cried like a schoolboy," said the witness, "just as he did just now." Corroborative evidence was given by the defendant's sister. She eaid her father made himself a great nuisance by annoying the women of the family. Although dressed as a minister ho was not one.

Complainant: You know I was at the house for the purpose of selling tea. Witness: No, you were not. Complainant: Did I not offer you a bunch of violets one morning? .Witness: Yes, and I refused them. Complainant (again resorting to tears'): Y'ou broke my heart. The magistrate dismissed the case.