A FIGHT FOR A DRUM.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2393, 17 November 1880, Page 4

A FIGHT FOR A DRUM.

At tlie Auckland Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday last (Nov. 10), Alfred J. Edmonds, described as a drummer and musician, was charged with the larceny of a drum, value the property of John Webber ; also, of 8 music stools, 20 manuscript music books, and sundry sheets of music, the property of Major Arthur Morrow, commander of No. 8 Company of Volunteers, on Oct. 27. Counsel for the plaintiff was for an adjournment, but counsel for defendant deprecated delay, and said the matter was a dispute about the ownership of a drum. His Worship—Are there two drums. Mr Cooper—Only one, I believe. (Here someone gave a startling blow on the drum head in the passage.) Constable Strathern then brought the drum, music-stands, and music into the Court. For the prosecution it was stated that the defendant (Edmonds) was, until lately, a member of the No 8 Company of volunteers. A band was formed in May last, and on payment of ;ti2o the instruments were to become the property of the Company. Defendant was secretary of the band, and in consequence of internal discord, resigned his position. He subsequently got possession of the drum, feeling or fancying that he had a lien upon that musical instrument. He and Lieutenant Hitchens met (in Waterman’s diningroom, when high words arose about the drum, &c. A revolver was produced and loss of blood threatened. Ilis Worship—Was the revolver produced in defence of the drum ? Mr Cooper—No, your Worship, that was far away. His Worship considered there was no proof of larceny and dismissed the case. Air T. Cooper—What is to become of the drum V His Worship—l have nothing to do with the drum. (Here someone struck the drum again, and the constable again brought it into Court.) (Laughter.)