FEILDING COURT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8739, 13 February 1907, Page 2

FEILDING COURT.

(Before Mr A. D. Thompson, S.M.)

Judgment was given for plaintiff in fol* lotting undefended cases : J. S. WatehfJrn and Co. v. D. Prichard—claim £ii 9s Bd, co.sts 10s. Kirton and Curtis v. Roderick Sheeby—claim £B, costs 25s Od.

William Creighton was charged with assaulting Lottie Honrickson. Mr appeared cor informant and Mr Sandilauds for the defence, Edith Lottie Henrickson gave evidence W the effect that she was in the employ of Mrs Creighton for four weeks, as lady help,On the morning of Ist January MiqCreighton said ho would have brought her soind tea, only her bedroom door was looked. He followed her into the pantry, and put his arms round her and kissed her. When she protested, he said he did not see any harm fin it, or girls going with married men. Later ho said would like her Bo have a good fly round. Ho did not speak to her any more that day. Ho left tho house and she went to tho Bulls races with somo friends Mr Richardson and Mr Wunoh. Mr Richardson came with her to Mr Creighton’S house that evening and they saw Mr Creighton. At first ho denied everything hut later on admitted that ho did kiss her as he would a sister. She did not go back to tho house to stay as sho did not care to be in the house with him as hia wife was going away. Next morning he came to her home and asked mo to write a letter to Mrs Creighton stating that there was nothing between them. Sho promised to write one but later was advised not to.

By Mr Sandilands—lt was purely out of consideration to Mrs Creighton she did not mention tho matter to her. It wa3 because Mr Creighton demanded an apology. I consented to the case being brought up. She went in a buggy with Mr Wunch and Richardson to Bulls, but did not wave here hand to Mr Creighton a 3 they passed him. Sho did not try to obtain employment at Mr Hart’s. It wa3 purely on account of Mr Creighton’s behaviour sho left the place. She wont out for a walk with Mr Richardson, when she told him about the kissing. She smoked cigarettes; Mr Creighton occasionally gave her some.

■ By Mr Carty : I was in the habit of smoking cigarettes, and Mr Creighton offered to get some for ms. I got some tobacco and papers from his coat pocket at his request and left it in my room, He threatened to prosecute me for stealing his tobacco. Creighton gave me 2s Cd on Boxing Day, which ho said would see me through the gates at the sports. He said I need nob say anything about it. I told Mrs Creighton the money was to be taken off my wages, Next day ho asked me what I told his wife. On New Tear’s Eve I wenb into Mrs Creighton’s bedroom to get my .hat. Mr Creighton was there. He kissed me and tickled me. I said I would tell mother. He said “ Ton have too much sense for that.”

Ee-examined by Mr Sandilands, sh« said that Creighton had often kissed her. She had not told her lover as she thought Creighton would alter.

W. K. Richardson deposed that ho wag keeping company with Miss Henriokson. On the night in question he called on Mr Orighton and asked what he meant by his conduct to Miss Henrickson ? He did not see her wavo to Mr Creighton. William Creighton denied point-blank all the statements made by Miss Hc-nriok-soa, He said he never attempted to kisa her, Mrs Creighton was in the kitchen with the children at the time the alleged assault was supposed to have taken place. He saw her that evening. She seemed ill at ease, and Eichardson accused him of improper behaviour to her, but would not state the nature of it. They would not go into the house and take away her clothes.

By Mr Carty—He had never asked her for a letter to make it right with Mrs Creighton. Her story about the cigarettes was also wrong. Both he and Mrs Creighton were quite surprised that she did not turn ‘ up that night. She had always complained of being short of money. He had given her the 2s Cd with Mrs Creighton’s knowledge. He had never put a hand on her. J. Wunch and L. J. Trass both gave evidence to the effect that Miss Henrickson waved her hand to Creighton on her way to-'' Bulls races that morning. Tlie case was dismissed with costa against the informant.