A rather singular assault case came before His Honor Judge Ward, and a special jury, at the District Court, to-day. The facts were that at a sale of household effects a few weeks ago,Mr Bowers, a watchmaker, who is in the habit of watching for bargains, came into collision with that wellknown knight of the hammer, Mr Moss Jonas. Some books were offered, and the bids being slow, the auctioneer threatened to pass them in, whereupon Bowers reminded Jonas that there was “ no reserve,” and used the term “ respectable ” in a way that drew down an unreserved blow on the side of his head. In other words the auctioneer accepted Bowers’ bid as a challenge, and instead of knocking down the books knocked down the watchmaker. In deference to the ladies who were present, the latter quietly pocketed the affront, intimating that he should seek compensation in due course, and subsequently made several purchases. The plaintiff,who estimated his damage at £2' 0, said he had spent a sleepless night, and suffered severely, but instead of consulting a doctor he merely mentioned his adventure to Dr Murdoch, in conversation. When asked if the blow left a mark behind, he explained that the spot was concealed by his whiskers, and judging from the length of these appendages its force must haye been considerably broken. Mr Bowers was awarded a farthing, His Honor exciting considerable mirth when applied to for costs, by suggesting that they would have to come out of the damages. _
Scaleless.—A friend said to a grocer ■who had retired from business, “ My dear fellow, you are looking thin! Idleness does'not agree with you. Well no,” innocently responded the grocer, “ I don’t weigh as much as I did.” ■Tlv; Super!'cadent of Police at ribufes the increase of drunkness and disorderly conduct in Sydney, chiefly to the very large number of publichomcs licensed duungtne past few years. Mr Ghatles James Poole, one or the London correspondents of the Melbourne Argu l *, die I suddenly, in London, on January 19 , It is anticipated by the promoters of the new Queensland Mail Service that the steamers of that line will take the Queensland wool direct to Loudon, and assist in establishing a i reat export trade.
A CONCERT Tn aid of the SCHOOL FUNDS, Will be held in the WASHDYKB SCHOOL, ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SCANT18810416.2.16.1
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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2518, 16 April 1881, Page 3
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391Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 South Canterbury Times, Issue 2518, 16 April 1881, Page 3
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