"HE HAD A TRYING TIME.”

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8963, 31 October 1907, Page 2

"HE HAD A TRYING TIME.”

Horsewhipped, Tarred & Gaoled. Hill Of Opunake Gets Four f/ionihs. Per Press Association. Mew Plymouth, October 30. At tho Stratford Police Court today Edward Harman Hill was charged with having at Opunake, on May (>lii, delivered a telegram to a public officer for transmission, signed with a fictitious name. Hill was tho victim of the recent notorious Opunake • tarring and feathering case. Some time previously ho was horsewhipped by a Hawora man because of his unwelcome attentions to tho latter’s wife, and the horsowhipper was commended for his conduct by a Magistrate. Tho tarring and feathering practically arose out of tho public knowledge of ithat case, aggravated by his alleged conduct at Opunake. Tho telegram, which was re subject of tho present case, was sent to the Hawera man, previously referred to, and reflected on his wife, wiio was that day in Opunake.

Accused pleaded guilty. Detective Boddam stated that the offence was committed two month, prior to the Opuuake tarring cases with which it was in no way connected. Although there was absolutely no truth in the allegations contained in the telegram it caused the husband considerable anxiety and worry. The original telegram and the copy received at Hawera were produced. The detective pointed out that accused was practically an outcast from society, and was shunned by both employees and employers. Accused, ho said was perfectly sane. The accused commenced to explain why he sent the telegram, but was cut short by the Bench, who stated that accused was only further reflecting on the character of the person concerned. The Bouc'n pointed out the seriousness of the offence, but said that accused would be dealt with very leniently as ho had no doubt a trying time recently. His best plan when his term of imprisonment oxprired would be to leave the colony. A sentence of four months’ hard labour was passed.