DISTURBANCE IN OTAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 272, 9 April 1913, Page 8

DISTURBANCE IN OTAKI.

A SERIOUS AFFAIR. Otaki, April 7. The serenity of the town was rudely disturbed on Saturday night, owing to a young man named Gunson entering the house of Mr. Anthony Lima, during the latter's absence, and threatening to injure three occupants. Mrs. Home, who is in ill-health, raised the alarm, and Messrs. Lima and Home, on hearing her screams, rushed to the house, only to find the man in hiding in the children's bedroom. A general melee followed, and eventually the man was overpowered and pinioned. In this position he was held, and Mr. Home was dispatched for Constable Satherley. Prior to the arrival of the latter, the man struggled with Mr. Lima, threatening him in the meantime, and as the latter is well up in years he found it difficult to cope with his opponent, who is a young man of good physique. He called to his daughter to bring the rolling-pin, and it was only with difficulty she left her sick bed and secured an implement which she handed her father. A tap on the head pave the man his quietus for a time. Then he played "possum," but Mr. Lima was on the alert, and gave him another "reminder," Which quietened him till the arrival of the constable, i At the Police Court this morning the man was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct. He pleaded guilty to both counts, making drink the excuse, and promising in future to lead a better life. On the first charge a fine of £lO, in default three months' imprisonment, was inflicted, and on the second a conviction only was recorded, the Bench pointing out that although the offence was of a most serious nature they had decided to take a lenient view of it.