"KEEP CLEAR OF THE HOSE."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 61, 2 September 1911, Page 5

"KEEP CLEAR OF THE HOSE."

DETECTIVE AND FIRE BRIGADE OFFICIAL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, Last Night'. A case which excited a considerable amount of attention was heard to-day at the Magistrate's Court, when .l<)h'n Thomson, Deputy Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, was charged with having assaulted Detective Mitchell during the progress of a fire at Kaita (a suburb) on the 28th ult. The facts, as stated by the police, were that Mitchell was standing near by, and that the defendant asked him to keep clear of the hose, subsequently pushing him oir the footpath artd striking him a severe blow in the face. For the defence, it was pleaded that Thomson did not know Mitchell. It was admitted that defendant pushed Mitchell _ off the footpath, and that, seeing Mitchell advance in a threatening attitude,, Thomson got in the first blow, being still unaware of Mitchell's identity. A good deal of evidence was taken, including that of one witness, who said he saw Mitchell ''shape up" to the defendant after the latter had pushed him off the footpath. , Another witness stated that Thomson was informed of Mitchell's identity, but said "he did not care; he would have to keep back." Mr. W. A. Barton, S.M.. held that the assault had been proved, but said the case was not one calling for a hcavv penalty. Ho imposed a fine of 10s. His AVorship suggested that Thomson, on being made aware of Mitchell's identity, might have apologised, and lie expressed regret that the incident had gone so far as to be brought into court.