TROUBLE, LTD.

NZ Truth, Issue 1173, 24 May 1928, Page 8

TROUBLE, LTD.

How Richard Bought His Share

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Southland Hep.)

In the lives of certain law firms m Invercargill there has existed a nightmare m the form of one Richard Chilton, to whom litigation is as milk food to a baby.

pHILTON is his own counsel and, m • the course of the last few months he has conducted several law suits (unsuccessfully) against various firms and people.

The subject matter mostly concerns the administration of deceased estates m which either Chilton or his relatives are beneficiaries.

It was not the carnival spirit of May Fair "Week which prompted Chilton to visit the offices of Messrs. Watpon and Haggitt, m Invercargill one day last week. .While being attended to, Chilton used insulting remarks about the actions of the firm, ' employing the remark, " thieves," frequently. The managing clerk, Collio, resented the remarks besmirching the integrity of his firm and he ordered Chilton out of the office. A belligerent advance by Chilton was checked by Collie and with the assistance of another clerk !n the office, the demonstrative client was urged down the stairs. Chilton, however, is built on rather generous lines and 'he forced his way back to the office. Constable Rusbatch was called m and, as gentle persuasion was unavailing, Chilton was again forcibly ejected. ' FOND OF LAW? A crowd soon gathered at the office door m Esk Street where Constable Praser joined the issue and Chilton was placed under arrest, taken along to the police station and charged on three counts. When he appeared m the police court before Justices Ward and Noble, Senior Sergeant Fox said these visits to the solicitors by Chilton were not uncommon, and this particular firm, as well as others, were being accused of dishonesty m connection with. the administration of certain estates m which the Chilton family were beneficiaries.

There had . been many complaints concerning his belligerent attitude, and the police hoped that these charges would be the means of checking Chilton's persistence.

His record showed that he had several convictions for assault and re%isting the police.

Chilton pleaded guilty and promised the bench that if he was given a chance nothing would ever occur again.

He went to the office on legitimate business, but he had had two drinks and the assault occurred In the excitement of the moment.

The bench took a serious view of the matter and commented sternly on Chilton's action m catching Collie by the throat and pushing him through a glass partition.

On the charge of assault, Chilton was fined £10 m default one month's imprisonment. On the charge of mischief m breaking the glass partition he was convicted and ordered to make good the damage. The charge of disorderly behavior while drunk, was dismissed.

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