INSPECTOR AND CONTRACTOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 175, 23 January 1914, Page 7

INSPECTOR AND CONTRACTOR.

STRAINED RELATIONS. The Magistrate's Court was occupied ] for a considerable time yesterday liear- { ing a case in which Robert William 1 Bond, inspector for the Taranaki ConnI ty Council (Air. J. 11. Quilliam) applied 1 to have William Ingrain Thomason, of Inglewood. •contractor (Air. C. 11. Weston) bound over to keep the peace with him, 011 the grounds that Thomason had ou January 111. used oil'ensive language and threatening behaviour to him. The hearing of the dispute, revealed the fact that relations between Bond and Thomason had been strained ever since August last, when Thomason had assaulted Bond, for which be hail been subsequently lined. Plaintill'. in his evidence, staled that on January 10 witness bad in the course of his business to deliver a letter from the chairman of the Taranaki County Council to the defendant. After 1 its delivery defendant Used abusive language and tlireatening behavior towards witness. This was on the Waiong'ona public, road. Witness left, because he thought there would be more trouble btdwen himself and defendant, lie feared a repetition of the conduct complained of. as he must in the course J of his business come into contact with defendant. J To Mr. Weston, he stated that he ] could not remember the contents of tlie | letter in question, lie had not previously made up bis mind to bring a ease against defendant. Joseph Alackay, engine driver for the Taranaki County Council, who was present tit Hit meeting between Bond and Thomason, gave corsoborative evidence. The case for the defence, according to the vvidenec of the defendant, was that a dispute had occurred between himself anil Bond on the day in question as to the terms of his contract with the County Council. Bond had always acted unfairly towards him. and on this occasion had asked him to do more than his contract specified, and on his refusal, .had immediately brought a letter from the chairman of the council to the ell'cct that he was to tlo the work. Defendant had refused to accept the letter and had eventually told the plaintill' to "go to if you like,'' but nothing' more. Bond had used oilensive language to him. He had not used anything like the language mentioned in the information. Frank Vile, of Waiongona, corroborated the statement of Thomason as to the language used towards him by Bond. Air. Weston was about to call another witness, hut Mr. I'rooke, S.M.. said there was no need to do so, as hi l had come to the conclusion that there was friction between the two men, and that Thomason had used offensive language to Bond. At ilie same lime, Bond had not exercised as much tact, as he ought, to have done, fie would nol bind Thomason over to keep the peace, pro' vided he would give an assurance not to continue to annoy Bond. The two men should have as little lo do with each oilier as was consistent with the conduct of their business together. Thomason gave the required assurance. and the case was concluded.