HAWERA.

Patea Mail, 22 July 1880, Page 3

HAWERA.

[from our correspondent.] BRANCH OFFICE OF THE MAIL. Wednesday Evening. A peculiar case of rescue from a bailiff was heard before Messrs P. G. Wilson and James Livingston, J.P.’s, on Monday. It seemed from the evidence that Mr Pye, tinsmith, had a distress warrant served upon him for a claim from Wanganui; the sub-bailiff entered into possession, and Pye went about town to endeavor to get the needful, which he succeeded in doing from Mr Cockburn, for whom' he was working. They then went oyer to the premises where the bailiff , was in charge, and tendered the money (although the bailiff iii his evidence contradicted this), but the bailiff said he did not know the amount, and would have to go down to see Mr Guerin about the matter. The bailiff by this act having given up possession, the accused thought they : were at liberty to remove the goods, which they immedietely did, much to the discomfiture of the bailiff on his return. Mr Farrington raised a point when addressing the Bench,, by.suggesting that the bailiff was supposed to be a peace officer, and as such should bo sworn in. This had never been done, he contended, and that all the, seizures which had been done under his instructions were illegal. 1 He further contended that re-possession had been given to Pyc, and that, in consequence rescue had not taken place. The Bench concurred'.in this view, and dismissed the ! case with costs. Mr Barlcymah appeared for :the plaintiff. s • ‘

The conduct >f the ; defendants ;in Court at the trial of the above case was anything but creditable. They should at least have known the respect that is due to the Bench, and not ( address their remarks to the public in Court; nor is a knife a very dignified looking, instrument as a tootlipick whilst giving evidence. It is to be hoped that the Bench will never again allow such a' humiliating spectacle to be witnessed: as, that; on Monday last. All roads north of this areina fearful state. Mr Bartlett states tlio.Opunald road is simply dangerous to drive oven.' ;He says it is even averse than the Mountain road, Mr F. R. : Jackson’s Sale on Friday is likely to be well attended, if the weather be favorable.