S.M. COURT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 5 December 1919, Page 2

S.M. COURT.

OTAKI—THIS DAY. (Before J. L. Stout, Esq. S.M.) Separation and Maintenance. Ada Dawson (Mr Staveloy) applied for a separation from her husband, James S. Dawson, on account of his drinking habits, and asked for the guardianship of a child, also for maintenance. There was no appearance of defendant, and the application was granted. Breach of Prohibition Order. Police v. William Atkinson, breach of prohibition order. Constable Satherley stated that accused had previously been before the Court recently, and that the drinking habit seemed a disease with him. Fred J. Ryder stated Atkinson had the unfortunate habit of drinking, and he had hoped to put him under a special doctor at Wairoa, but it would cost £SO. He asked his Worship to deal lightly with defendant, as ho could not I help himself, while Atkinson was prepared to arrange that ho would not handle his soldier’s pay in future. He was a splendid working man. The. S.M. fined accused £2 and costs, and stated that should be come before him again ho would be sent to Pakaloa. Charges of Assault. Police v. Stanley Parker, charges of assaulting Joseph McChcsucy, James MeChesnoy, Robert Fielding, also of using obscene language, and of damaging hats the property of tho two former. The constable said there were six charges, but complainants wished to withdraw some of the charges, viz., that of obscene language and assault against James McChesncy. Ho stated that defendant went to To lloro and there tried to replenish his stock of benzine for his motor car, and, culled on Mr McChesncy, who said lie had none, and referred him to Mr Fielding. When Parker arrived at Fielding’s, Fielding asked where the. car was. and without provocation Parker struck him. - On arrival at McChesncy's the latter came out, and was knocked down after he had told Parker he had turned his benzine oil to save it. Mr Staveloy said the car had broken down, Parker got the benzine, and asked Fielding to take tho tin back. Fielding said “certainly,” but his brother demurred, which upset Parker, and he then committed the assault, after which he apologised and expressed regret. Parker later saw two men at his car and asked them what they were doing. Not. knowing them he committed tire assault. He had since apologised to McChesncy and expressed regret at what he- had done and offered to pay for all damage done. Parker was very well known in the Wairarapa 4 and had the reputation of being a quiet, decent fellow. The .S.M. said assaults were getting too common, and would have to be met with imprisonment and not fines. There was no reason for the present assaults, i but he would give Parker the benefit of (he lino on this occasion. For assault Parker was fined £5 on each charge, and on the other charges eonvie cd and ordered to pay costs, including witnesses, £2 9s. Judgment Summons. Joe Itopata was ordered to pay Wm. ( Quayle £9 10s within seven days, in default 14 days' imprisonment, while ( Kcreaiiiu ICatera was ordered to pay f Kahurangi Taipua £26 19s, in default one month’s imprisonment. Neither of ’ the defendants appeared.