MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 336, 7 December 1917, Page 1

MANUREWA.

A FISHING INCIDENT At the Papakura Magistrate's Court last Monday, before Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M, Alexander McLeod, fisherman, of Manurewa, was charged with havings on ember 13th, used obscen* language towards WilliAa Olarkf also of Manurewa, Mid far thiaitsning.and attempting to assauk Olark with a pole. The plaintiff we* xepvseaAtel by Mr W. Oliphaot and -Mr TW. E. Backett appeared for defendant who pleaded not guilty. Mr Oliphant* in hie opening state* ment, remarked that the incident arose out of fishings the plaintiff being in the habit of letting a net He submitted that defendant had adopted a threatening attitude to* waras plaintiff and he asked that be should be bound over tokeepthe peace so that Clark oould ooniinue fishing peaoeably in the future. William Clark, builder, Manurewa, deposed that on the ISA November* last whilst fishing off Weymouth defendant approached him and used obscene language, be* sides threatening to strike him with a pole. Groes-eoamined, witness admitted that htf wee always fishing on Baturdays and aometimee two or three timeea week. He was not a professional fisherman and had no licensed boat Mr Haekett submitted that the net used by plaintiff was one vith a small 2} inch mesh and that the mode of fishing he adopted destroyed the fishing ground for the registered fishermen. Asked by Mr Haekett as to the number of fish caught, plaintiff admitted that one day he got 100 mullet Mr Haekett pointed out that the dragging of a small net destroyed the fishing ground and interfered with a fisherman earning his living. Defendant, he stated, admitted that bad language was used but said that plaintiff also had a pole in his hand and used bad language. Plaintiff had been reported for illegal fishing. Defendant being somewhat enraged, added counsel, remonstrated with plaintiff for interfering with what was regarded as the rights of the fishermen. Defendant denied , the assault but admitted using the bad language. He stated that the net used by plaintiff was not the usual net for such a purpose as it had a very small mesh. In consequence of the fiahingby plaintiff he (defendant) had been about £6O out of pocket during the year. Thomas Slee, fisherman and farmer, gave evidence in support of defendant. His Worship, reviewing the facts, stated he was satisfied as to the swearing and defendant might have used the pole in a threatening manner but ne had no reason to think that the plaintiff had just cause to fear that at any time in the future he would be in danger. He accordingly dismissed the case.