CONTEMPT OF COURT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 44, 23 February 1915, Page 7

CONTEMPT OF COURT.

MAGUIRE S£NT TO GAOL FOR A

WEEK.

Per Press Association

Dunedin, February 22

W. E. J. Maguire who was a candidate for Dunedin West at the repeat general election, again came before the Police Court this morning, charged with committing a breach of the peace. He pleaded guilty, and after the Sub-Inspector had stated the facts he proceeded to address the Magistrate concerning the connection which he claimed the reports of a certain newspaper had had with the assault. The Magistrate warned him on several occasions not to talk to the Court in such an excited, passionate manner, but even this warning was only partially effective. The defendant finally wound up by declaring Miat there was a limit to a man’s endurance, and his endurance had been overtaxed.

The Magistrate said the facts constituted what appeared to be a wanton attack by accused on another per.

Maguire (derisively: “Oh, give that garden stuff to somebody else!” The Magistrate promptly ordered the defendant to be taken into custody on a charge of contempt. When being taken across the floor of the Court he shouted at the Bench: “Give that garden stuff to somebody else, and not to a man who reared a large family,” and on approaching the door of the prisoners’ room he declared vehemently that he would not allow the Court to say it was an unprovoked assault.

Later on, the Magistrate ordered Maguire to be brought before him, and explained to him that he had been arrested for contempt. He would he given an opportunity to apologise. Maguire declined to do so, and ultimately wound up by declaring loudly that he did not give a d for that Court, or any other Court.

He was promptly ejected and sen. fenced to seven days’ imprisonment. He was fined on the other charge.