WAIHI DAY BY DAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 44, 15 October 1912, Page 6

WAIHI DAY BY DAY.

‘ ‘ACCIDENTAL DEATH. ’ ’

(Per Press Association.) Waihi, October 15. At the inquest on Richard Benjamin Harris, who was found burnt to death, alter a. fire in a shanty at Waitetc on Sunday, the coroner returned a verdict of accidental death. A WOMAN AND A HATPIN. At the Magistrate's Court this morning James Delaney, mining contractor, was charged with assaulting Jessie Boames with an offence alleged ; to have taken place when Delaney arrived in the vicinity of his homo after knocking off work at the Waihi mine. Accused pleaded not guilty and was represented by Air Cotter and Mr Moresby appeared for Miss' Beanies. ’ in opening the case Air Aforesby said a serious assault had been committed, though not with serious results. The reports circulated were one-sided, incorrect, and untrue. On the day”in question, his client in the custody of strikers went out with his sister and another young lady. Complainant, who was anxious to see Delaney, made her way iii his direction. Delaney, after shaking hands with several youths, passed complainant and her companions, and when he got a dozen yards away he turned round and made the following remark to the boys: “I had no need to come this way; I did it just to amuse the push.” His client was naturally incensed and retaliated, calling out “scab.” Delaney deliberately kicked backwards, and a second time kicked, out with more viciousness, also made use of a vile expression. His client held a hatpin in her hand. She subsequently threw the hatpin into the, hedge., Jessie Beanies gave evidence supporting counsel’s remarks, and stated Delaney did not go into his place by the usual way. Ho had a child in his arms and two children on either side. He used the insulting remark in a lo|id|vdice to her. Up to then, she had made no remarks, and had one htpin

in her hand. While she was following Dplaney kicked . backwards, striking her skirt; he kicked her again ferociously on the knee. She felt the effect of,. the kick whiiic made her leg stiff, right away. DeTancy , wore \ niincr's’; boots with; big nails. ■ A