CONSTABLES' SQUABBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 91, 13 May 1909, Page 2

CONSTABLES' SQUABBLE.

CASE BEFORE THE COI'KT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Lust Xight. A case which excited considerable interest was heard before .Mr. W. (i. Kiddell, 5..M., iu the Magistrate's Court this afternoon. Two constables, John Edward Watson, and William Joseph (iardiner, were charged on the information of sub-Inspector i'hail with having unlawfully assaulted William ltolfe at Wellington on May 10th. The same defendants were also charged on separate informations with having assaulted Florence Beatrice Kolfc at the same time and place. inspector Ellison appeared lo prosecute, and Mr. Wilford appeared for defendants, who pleaded not guilty. -Mr. Wilford said the case was an important one. Tli,. ~„•;;. tnoiigh constables, were in civilian dress at the time. The whole of their future depended on the result. Defendants were served with summonses yesterday morning. He had two interviews with them, and it was impossible for him to deifend them properly at such short notice. Witnesses from the s.s. Knipam had also to be called. An hour or two ago fresh evidence reached him, which he had not had time to trace, and he publicly protested againsl such extreme haste. Inspector Ellison said two of the witnesses were seamen on the Knipnrn. He hail no objection to the case being adjourned after their evidence had been heard. 'The vessel leaves l.yttelton for England on the 20th of Ma'y.Mr. Wilford urged that' defendants were entitled to have a proper defenc; put up, even if it involved keeping the witnesses from the Kaipnra. His Worship agreed that it was only reasonable that defendants should nave every opportunity of preparing; thendefence. After discussion it was decided to adjourn the hearing of the case until 2.1.1 p.m. on the 17th illst. It is understood that the chargesarose out of an incident which took place n the vicinity of the Post Office mi Monday night, when the informant Rolf ■ took exception to the treatment which it "is alleged, the two defendants were meting out lo a third constable, all of whom were in civilian attire. The fe male informant is said to have also re ceiveil „iuiie injuries to her face in Uf disturbance, the two defendants nr> under suspension, pending the hearing of the cases.