A FAMILY “JAR”.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 301, 18 December 1914, Page 8

A FAMILY “JAR”.

*0 — DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. c GOOD ADVICE FROM THE BENCH < Frank Faulkner, horse trainer, was ; charged at Stratford to-day, before Mr Kendrick, S.M., with breaking into the dwelling-house of Charles Ruscoe, tailor, with intent to intimidate the said Charles Ruscoe, his father-in-law. Mr T. C. Fookes appeared for accused, and at the outset asked that the charge be reduced to

that of merely doing damage to the property. Proceeding, Counsel said the case arose as the result of family differences, and both being rather hot tempered men on the occasion referred to culminated in a wordy warfare between the father and son-in-law, ultimately logs of wood were used and an axe. No blow- was struck ant> no personal injury done, but in a lit of temper accused smashed windows to the extent of £3 12s. His .Worship: Did he break the building to get into it? Mr Fookes No, your Worship. Sergeant McN.eely said the case was more serious than outlined by Counsel. Accused went to Ruscoe’s house and conversation arose about a racehorse which had been removed from Hawera to Stratford, the accused said to Ruscoe: “Well, I see you are going on with the game,” referring to tiro running of a racehorse at New Plymputh races. Ruscoe then went info the . house, and accused got an axe and in a lit of temper deliberately did damage with the intention of frightening Ruscoe for not starting his horse at the New Plymouth races. Mr Fookes said accused had had a drink or two on the occasion referred to, and had evidently lost his temper. He was otherwise of a peaceful disposition, and this was the first charge against him, and it could be regarded as the result of a family dispute. Accused undertook to pay the damage to the seven windows, panel and door, amounting in all to £3 12s, and Ruscoo agreed to accept this. The S.M., in addressing accused, pointed out that the position in which be found himself was a serious one, because this was a country where law and order must be respected. “Such men as you,” His Worship said, “who are in a fighting mood, should be at the front. .We have not too many *in tins country, but whilst,you live hero, you young fellows must behave yourself. If you want to fight you should go and fight in the country where everyone is wanted- just now. Under the circumstances, however, this being your first appearance boi fore the Court, I will only fine you i £3 and costs.” ,