WANTED HIS TEA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 921, 14 March 1930, Page 1

WANTED HIS TEA

FINED FOR ASSAULTING WIFE “BEST-FED MAN IN TOWN”

*1 quite believe that your wife has been drinking and that she has. not been acting as a housewife should: but your disciplinary method is not to be commended,” commented Mr. Wyveryi Wilson, S.M., lining Samuel Barrett £2 at the Police Court this morning lor assaulting his wife. The wife created a diversion by giving her evidence in a most spirited manner and afterward making loud comments from the back of the court. Barrett, aged 45, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Annie Barrett said she had been 15 years married to accused and lived in Remuera. Last evening she had been home from a day’s work about an hour, when accused came home and demanded his tea. "It was not ready so he smacked my face. H€> did it again and 1 don’t remember any more,” added witness, rfhe removed her hat and it was seen that her right eye was badly bruised and almost closed In answer t.o her husband the woman denied that she had been under the influence of liquor. “Not that drunk, anyway,” she added. I have always ad your tea ready and there is no man better fed in Auckland.” Accused: Have you not been drinking heavily during the last two weeks? Witness: Not at your expense, anyway. I work for my money and I get my living honestly. Witness said she called the police after the assault. “I had to get somebody,” she explained. Constable Oliver described Mrs. Barrett’s condition when he arrived at the house. "She was covered with blood.’’ he said. “Although she smelt of liquor and was unsteady she was sober and so was Barrett.” "I am very sorry this happened,” said accused. “For the last fortnight 1 have had to turn to when I came home from work and cook my tea and that of my little boy. My wife has been under *the influence of liquor for a fortnight.” “You’re a liar,” came the challenge from Mrs. Barrett in the back of the court. . . . Accused then complained tjiat ms wife had hit him on the head with a bottle.” . „ "It w is a cup—not a bottle at all, called Mrs. Barrett, who ignored the court orderly’s suggestion that sne keep silent. , . _ The magistrate suggested that "vr* Barrett might consider a prohibition order. Barrett was convicted. t suppose I'll lose my Job nov,-. he saia ruefully. He was given a week to pay.