TRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 March 1916, Page 3

TRATFORD NEWS.

| COURT NEWS. (From Our Own Correspondent). Stratford, Friday. Before Mr. W. R. Haseldcn, S.M., today, William Green was charged witli failing to keep up the payments for the support of his wife and' children. Mr. Cecil Wright, who appeared for the wife, ~»-'\ the amount of arrears was now '- 10s, and he would agree to an adjournment for a fortnight, providing the balance was paid by then. This the defendant agreed to, and the case was adjourned accordingly. William Fitzpatrick was ordered to contribute Gs per week for the support of his girl in an orphanage. When the ease of David Maxwell was called on. Sergeant Dale informed his Worship that the defendant was being brought up before the court at NewPlymouth, and a further remand was asked for until Thursday, 30th inst, Mr. Wright asked that the'amount of bail be altered to accused's own recognisance of £IOO, and one surety of £IOO or two of £SO. Tf this were done he had arranged for a bondsman. This sliould be preferable to two sureties. Hi* Worship acceded to Mr. Wright's request. Daniel Harmell pleaded guilty to using obscene language at Whangamoniona on 11th inst., and ,vas fined £3, or 21 days' imprisonment.

A returned soldier was charged with using indecent language at the fete held recently by the Stratford Ladies' Croquet Club. H e pleaded guilty. Mr. Robert Spence appeared' on behalf of defendant, who, he said, had just returned from the front, and in company with some of his comrades had attended the fete. Friends in mistaken generosity had given the defendant liquor, and while under its influence he bad used the language complained of. The young fellow's parents were most respectable people. His Worship said: As a rule I don't indulge in public lectures, but in a case like the present one words from a magistrate might be valued. If I could do it, I would hand you over to your comrades who have returned from the firing line. I saw the other day a returned trooper intoxicated, and I felt towards him as if he was my own brothev. I wished T could do something to show him how lie was disgracing himself and the honorable men who we nil respect and feel grateful to. You were admittedly intoxicated, and out of your mouth' came the filthy language, which was ten times worse coming from a soldier than from a civilian. Everybody wanted to treat soldiers when they came hack from the front, and who when wounded required the greatest tenderness and care, and this too generous treatment could not go on without doing a grave public injury. In this case I will strain the law in your favor, in the hope that, in the attitude I am taking, it will be appreciated, and that men tempted as you were will recognise that the tim P will surely come when severity must take the place of leniency. Yon arc convicted and discharged.

George Sangster was charged with passing over a level crossing in a mjfw'ear while a train was approaching. Mr. Wright appeared for defendant." Sergt. Dale asked leave to amend the information from January to February. Mr. Wright objected, and the case was set down for hearing on April 7. Mr. Wright asked for costs. His Worship said he would consider the application when the ease was dealt with. The ease against another motorist, George Collins, charged with driving a motor cycle without lights, was also adjourned till April 7. CIVIL CASK. Davidson and Co., Wellington (Mr. Johnstone) claimed from Angus Fraser (Mr. R. Spence), of Ratapiko. the sum of £l3l 5s damages for breach of contract, for failing to deliver wool bought by their agents, W. M. Bayiey and Co., in December, lON. This was e. ease previously heard before Mr. Kenilrick, S.M., and plaintiffs were non-suited, A re-hearing was granted, and evidence was on the line of the previous hearing.—His Worship reserved his decision. TARANAKT PROVINCIAL WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION". A meeting of the executive of the above Association was held in Patriotic Committee rooms to-dav. Present: Mr. .1. E. Wilson (in the chair). Messrs W. E Pereival (Inglewood), P. Dunn (Taran.iki Farmers' Union), Johns (North Taranaki). McPhillips (Manaia), Fleming (Patea), Kirkwood (Stratford), Crump (Eltluun). An apology was forwarded by Mr. J. Bone (Hawera). Mr. J. E. Wilson was appointed Taranaki representative on the advisory board, of the Federation of War Relief Society.

Tlie financial report showed that £30,0(10 was already in hand for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. The amended rules were considered and adopted.

It was decided to call a meeting of the general committee on April 12 to rescind existing rules and adopt amended rules FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION. The following are the results of the Fire Brigade competition, held here on Thursday:— Two men Coupling.—Elthani, iiS4-r> see.; Stratford, 491-ssec. Each had a penalty of lsee. Five Men Carry Gear.—Elthn.ni, 31see.; .Stratford, 34 4-ssec. In the three man event Stratford ran off first and had a blow out, and the same result happened to Eltham.