A THREAT TO KILL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 67, 27 March 1913, Page 6

A THREAT TO KILL.

ECHO OF THE SLAUGHTERMEN’S

STRIKE

A QUEER EPISTLE.

(Per Press Association.)

'Wellington, March 26

An unusual ease arising out of the Slaughtermen’s : strike, was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when Walter Litchfield, farmer, of Manama (Picton Sounds), was charged with sending a letter to Air Reardon, secretary of the Slaughtermen’s Union, containing a threat to kill tho recipient.

The letter was as follows: ‘Mr J. Reardon, Wellington,If you want to keep your job, you had better settle'this strike quick. My mortgagee is'-only waiting for an excuse to step in, and if I can’t sell my lambs within the next fortnight or three weeks, he will get hi§ chance, add I shall he ruined. If that happens, it will not matter .what happens to me after. 1 don’t, want to be either ruined or hung, blit if I am put through I will send you to Hell first; and though you may have a few week’s start of me, —and Hell is a big place,-—l’ll find you, if it does take most, of eternity to do it; then it will be Hell indeed for you—perhaps for both of us—so if you don’t want your wife to bo a widow, settle this strike at once, or I’ll settle you. Presidents, kings, and emperors sometimes die before they are ready, so don’t cry if you bring a sudden end on yourself.”

The letter was addressed —“His Imperial Majesty, M. J. Reardon, Tzar of all the New Zealand Strike Promoters, etc., Wellington or elsewhere.” Mr Reardon stated in evidence that he received the letter during the strike. In cross-examination, he said he did not regard the letter as a. joke. He took the threat lyMr Griffiths, auctioneer, Blenheim, gave evidence that he had a bailment' over Litchfield’s sheep, biit would not swear it was still operative. Litchfield was not in arrears with interest.

Counsel: Do you know of any other farmers .in Manaroa district having mortgages over their property?—Witness laughingly replied. “Yes; a great majority.” Counsel: Could you think of one that might ho in difficulties and in danger, of the mortagee taking possession?—Witness: “Yes; I could think of one.” . Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed; trial.