Bitter Feeling Shown in Brothers' Dispute

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 833, 29 November 1929, Page 1

Bitter Feeling Shown in Brothers' Dispute

ACTION FOR ASSAULT

MAGISTRATE S ADVICE

More was heard of a dispute between two brothers that was ventilated at the Police Court last Saturday when the case was resumed this morning for the calling of fresh evidence by the defence.

Martin Connell was charged with assaulting his brother. John ConnelL The offence was alleged to nave been committed on the steamer Piako on November 17. In the course of evidence it was mentioned that John Connell had caUed for an axe with which to smash up his brother. To that Martin Connell had replied. "Give me one, too, and treat us both alike.” It was further stressed by the defence. Mr. Harrison appearing for defendant, that Martin Connell was dying from cancer. The case was adjourned until today to allow of the defence calling another witness. This morning Edward C. Blomfteld, district inspector of mental hospitals, said that Martin Connell had boon at Avondale for observation. When he was discharged witness had decided to help him as best he could. When the man came out of the hospital he had found his furniture and personal effects had gone from his house. As a result of attempts made to recover them, John Connell had interviewed witness. “I have always found Martin a quiet, orderly man, bearing a grudge against nobody," he said. Witness said that he had appealed to John to sink any ill-feeling he had against his dying brother. He had told John that Martin had not even a bed to sleep on and suggested that some of the goods might be returned as Martin was destitute. To that John had replied: “Rather than let him get one scrap back, 1 would smash it all up. I’ve been a fool before and allowed hint to strike me, but if ha comes near me I'll smack him.” ‘ When John was in the witness-box he told me a long story of what ha wished me to believe was a premeditated assault," commented Mr. F. KHunt, S.M. “His story was not corroborated." The magistrate warned Martin that he should not take tho law into his own hands however bad any injustice under which he might be labouring. Mr. Hunt also advised the man not to write letters as he had been doing. If he sought tedress ha should go to a solicitor. Defendant: Mr. Mered'th Is looking into it now. The Magistrate: You couldn't do better. If you feel you want to blow off steam go to Mr. Meredith and do it. The case was dismissed, Mr. Hunt remarking that he was not going to convict in such a quarrel between two brothers. John was ordered to pay doctor's expenses and Martin gave a promise to keep away from his brother. “For ever,” he assured the Bench, but, as an after-thought, “What If someone hits me first?” The Magistrate: Nobcdy will, and if he did he would get into serious trouble.

An application for sureties to keep the peace made by John Connell against Martin was also dismissed.