DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OPUNAKE. At the S.M. Court on Thursday, before Mr. A. Crook, S.M., John Harrison, Major Harrison (half-castes), Albert and Andrew Aitken were charged, on the information of Constable Clouston, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace by fighting in the main street on July 31. The two Harrisons pleaded guilty and were each fined £1 and 8s court costs. The Aitken brothers pleaded not guilty, and were defended by Mr. Marshall. After -evidence was given by F. Harrop, S, Julian, Harrison (2) A. Crawfoard and A. Aitken, His Worship convicted and fined them 10a each, with court costs 7s. The Magistrate gave judgment in the case, Jessie Crawley v. Kate Devery, secretary of the Opunake Croquet Club. Plaintiff claimed £5 for wrongful expulsion from the club, and £5 damages for libel. The case created a good deal of interest at the August sitting of the court. Mr. Marshall appeared for plaintiff and Mr. Spence for defendant. His Worship held that the secretary was actuated by malice, and that the publication of the letter of expulsion on the notice board of the club was publication and not privilege. He found for plaintiff for tlie amount claimed for libel, court costs 19s, solicitor's fee £l. In the judgment case, L. Buttcrworth v. Noho Te Wliiti, an order was made to pay 10s per week. The claim was for £l4. In the case Corrick v. Schonafeller, plaintiff claimed the sum of £2 0s 6d for negligent driving by defendant, a Swiss farmer at Pungarehu, which occurred in April, 191-I.* The former was returning from the factory and the latter was going to the factory, and plaintiff claimed that defendant did not pull off tlie road so as to enable the plaintiff Corrick to pass. A collision occurred and Corrick liad a shaft of liis cart broken, and a trace smashed. His Worship held that plaintiff was to blame for driving too fast, and nonsuited him. Mr. Marshall appeared for defendant, and Mr. Goiv for plaintiff. A. Crawley sued A. Clarke for work done in repairing defendant's house. The defence was that the house belonged to Mrs. Clarke, and the wrong party was summoned. His Worship uphold this contention. Mr. Gow appeared for plaintiff Mr. Marshall for defendant. Your readers will be surprised to know that Mr. McDavitt has decided to leave Opunake after 19 years' residence here. He lias sold his business to a legal gentleman connected with Mr. Gow's (Eltham) office, Mr. McDavitt is eroiner to Morrinsville,