PEACE FOLLOWED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 705, 3 July 1929, Page 1

PEACE FOLLOWED

Magistrate Threatens Workmen NOISY MACHINERY Business was proceeding with its usual smooth expedition at the Police Court this morning when the workmen engaged at the Lands Office next door decided it was time to mix some more concrete. With a splutter and a series of sharp explosions, the motor started up almost immediately outside the court windows, while inside, a full bench of solicitors turned inquiring eyes to the window, and Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., from his elevated position on the Bench, glanced out and frowned. For a few moments the noise went on unchecked, though it was noticeable that the court orderly had disappeared from his usual place by the witness box. The missing constable returned but the noise still went on, while every few seconds a loud explosion peculiar to the machines that are harnessed to cement-mixers, rang through the court and nervous witnesses had to be asked questions all over again. At length the magistrate leaned forward in his chair. “When are they going to stop that?” he asked. The Orderly: Almost immediately. “They had better or I shall fine them £5,” commented the magistrate, and the orderly again disappeared presumably to convey the glad tidings. A blessed silence followed shortly after and the court settled down to its interrupted labours. __