M.P.'S SON IN COURT

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9414, 7 April 1909, Page 7

M.P.'S SON IN COURT

Mr Owen Bnokmaster, of Porohester Terrace, Lancaster Gate, a son of Mr S. O. Bnokmaster, K. 0., M.p. and Mr Martin Otter, ol Yernon Terrace, Brighton, were s severely reprimanded each fined £5. 30s as damages and £3 4s 6d costs, by the Ipswich Magistrates for“a practical joke at the expense of Mr Peroival Friswell, the well-known • artist! of Bast Bergliolt, Suffolk. 1 which took the form of screwing up six doors at .the artist’s residence. Evidence showed that defendants were staying at a farm near Mr Fris- , well’s residence, and that at the beginning of last month they called ac his house. Bnokmaster said his frieud desired to take up painting, and wished to consult the artist and to see his studio. From their man-, ner Mr Friswell did not think they were in earnest. He, therefore declined, and told them he was going away for a time. He wont away, and subsequently Mrs Friswell noticed defendants loitering about the premises. On January 6th Mrs Friswell was awakened about midnight by noises downstairs. A latch was raised, and something fell. She roused the servants, and Mrs Friswell saw defendants running away. On the dining-room table was a piece of paper, on which was written, . . . . «‘ We'are afraid that, owing to lack of time and screws, the job is not perfect. We apologise for this, hut assure yon we have done our best. It was found that sis doors in the house had been screwed up, and Mrs Friswell sent for the police. While she was talking to the sergeant Bnokmaster came up and asked for a time-table. Mrs Friswell said that his father should know of his conduct, and he _replied, “My father will be highly amused at my ptauks. ” (Laughter.) Amusement was caused in Oonrt by the’reading of letters that passed between prosecator and Buokmasfcer’s father. Mr Buokmaster, senior, expressed regret and offered' to indemnify prosecutor, enclosing £3. To this prosecutor replied that £3 was only a twentieth part of the cost. He had (had to abandon work for the exhibition in * order to interview police, solicitors and a doctor. He added: “Hooliganism must ha met with firm treatment without favour. If yon cannot give time to the proper supervision of your son’s doings, are others to suffer to save yon the cost of a bear leader and suitable tutor?” Later on Mr Friswell refused £3O offered to settle the matter. Defendant’s, excuse was that a hell, was rung at seven every morning at Mr Friswell’s house. They intended to take away the rope, hot, not finding it, they screwed up the doors to prevent, anyone getting to the hell, so that they “might have one morning’s undisturbed sleep.”